When defending Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai open their 2009 campaign against hosts Punjab at the Sector 16 stadium on Tuesday, one man would be hoping to shine with both bat and ball as he struggles to regain his India cap.

Left-hander Abhishek Nayar, who starred in the 2008 final with a breezy 99, is hoping for a fine start to the domestic season, which he reckons will help strengthen his chances. Nayar, who bowls right-arm medium pace, was dropped after the Champions Trophy but he is confident that with the Indian team favouring more and more all-rounders, an impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy and a practice game against Sri Lanka next week — he has been named in the Board President’s XI — will strengthen his case.

“It was a bit disappointing to be dropped after the West Indies tour, but I am concentrating hard on the domestic season. As a cricketer, you always look to perform well in the Ranji Trophy. Last year’s final is something I would always cherish and things are looking good for Mumbai this time as well,” Nayar said here.

Nayar made way for Ravindra Jadeja after India's disastrous show in the Champions Trophy in September but the all-rounder is keen on regaining his spot. “Seeing the current trend, the Indian team is playing with more and more all-rounders. Praveen and Jadeja are doing well and I am eager to seek a chance for myself. I played with Yusuf in the Challenger Trophy and we talked a lot about concentrating on bowling as well as batting,” Nayar said.

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