Laghate, who led the under-16 squad, was named captain of a 15-man Maharashtra squad. A survivor of last season's side along with all-rounder Hrishikesh Shinde and batsman Ranjeet Kamtekar, Laghate is circumspect about the task ahead: ``As usual it will be tough but with 13 newcomers our job becomes tougher.''

Besides new faces in the players' ranks, former speedster Ravi Yerawadekar takes on the reins of coaching. The new coach, however, is worried about the short duration of the training camp but skipper Laghate takes the handicap in his stride, explaining, ``The Tanpure district level championship was one reason for us to have very short nets before we came together ahead of the championship.''

Laghate promises a better performance in the coming season. He reposes faith in a team that he finds adept in all departments despite its new look.

Laghate reflects on a poor record last year when Maharashtra lost two and won as many before bowing out. While doing so, the captain also recollects his superb 185 against Baroda. Laghate also draws cheer that most of his players have had stints at top level and cites the seamers as a cause for optimism.

Laghate informs: ``We have four seamers -- Charudatta Kulkarni, Hrishikesh Shinde, Narendra Jadhav and Agrani Bhosale -- all of whom have done well in city cricket.'' Kashinath Khadkikar (off-spinner), Nitin Dhatrak (leg-spinner) and Virag Awate along with Ranjeet Kamtekar, younger brother of Inderjeet Kamtekar, comprise the teams spin-bowling attack. Laghate looks forward to support from fellow-batsmen Virag Awate, Ranjeet Kamtekar, Amit Kumbhare, Chetan Bhuimbar and Amit Misal while sizing up his team as well balanced.