Jaydev Unadkat the Saurashtra skipper and left-arm fast bowler who was released by Team India for the Ranji Trophy final categorically mentioned about 'team spirit' as the key factor behind their second Ranji Trophy title on Sunday at the Eden Gardens. Saurashtra earned a humiliating 9-wicket victory against Bengal on the day. The 31-year-old left-arm fast bowler who finished the match with a superb 9-wicket haul in the match including a 6 for 85 in the second innings, said, we dedicate the trophy to Pujara."

Commenting on the key factors behind stunning success this season with Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, Jaydev categorically mentioned about the 'team spirit'. He described, "We calm and composed in the dressing room throughout. We knew Bengal had also consistent show in the tournament. They had excellent bowlers and some brilliant batsmen. Moreover as it was their home-match we knew Bengal would be desperate and it is true that Bengal never went away from the match till Sunday morning. Naturally we wanted to exhibit as a team. I am happy that we have been able to produce that." Jaydev, at the same time, while citing example of their 'team spirit' added, "The ball went missing yesterday during the game within the covers kept outside the boundary line and our reserve bench players rushed there and found the ball. It showed how our cricketers who even did not play were how much motivated."

On the contrary, Manoj Tiwary, visibly upset with the defeat, admitted, "We could not execute. Losing toss was a big factor, but at the same time, we could not rise up. Our bowlers who were very consistent throughout the season and helped the team to reach the final lost their rhythm. The batsmen who were new also failed to execute their best. We have to make a postmortem and make an analysis." Commenting on his retirement from the first class cricket, Tiwary said, "My teammates, coach-everybody is requesting to continue. However I have not yet decided. Let us see."

Saurashtra's earlier triumph was in 2019-20 season when they defeated Bengal on the basis of first innings lead. In the last 10 seasons, they have made the final on five occasions, underlining their consistency. A Ranji Trophy title eluded Bengal yet again. They last won it in 1998-90 when they defeated a star-studded Delhi at the same Eden Gardens. Their first title had come in 1938-39 in the pre-independence era.

Brief scores:Bengal 174 (Shahbaz Ahmed 69, Abishek Porel 50; Chetan Sakariya 3-33, Jaydev Unadkat 3-44) & 241 (Manoj Tiwary 68, Anustup Majumdar 61; Jaydev Unadkat 6-85, Chetan Sakariya 3-76) lost to Saurashtra 404 (Arpit Vasavada 81, Chirag Jani 60; Mukesh Kumar 4-111) and 14/1 (Vishvaraj Jadeja 10*, Akash Deep 1-5) by 9 wickets