Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 26: After leading Eagles Nashik Titans to the finals of the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2024, skipper Prashant Solanki is determined to go one step further next time, drawing inspiration from his time under MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings.
Solanki’s side lost the summit clash to Ratnagiri Jets by 34 runs, despite a stellar campaign through the league. The 25-year-old leg-spinner admitted that the pressure of the final got the better of the team, but believes the experience will help them come back stronger.
“Finals, be it any tournament, bring a different kind of pressure. We played extremely good cricket throughout, but one inning didn’t click. It hurt. You want to win, lift the trophy. But I’ve learned over the years that if the process isn’t right, the result slips away,” Solanki told.
Solanki, who hails from Mumbai, was bought by Chennai Super Kings in 2022 for Rs 1.2 cr. His IPL debut came against Gujarat Titans, and he claimed his first wickets against Rajasthan Royals, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer.
Speaking about his time with Dhoni, Solanki shared valuable insights: “Everyone talks about how calm he is. But I think it’s his transparency with bowlers and staff that’s the real secret. I try to be calm like him, take an extra breath in pressure situations. That one second of composure can make a lot of difference.”
The young spinner also stressed the importance of state-level leagues like MPL in shaping careers. Using teammate Arshin Kulkarni as an example—who went from scoring a century in MPL to representing India U-19 and being picked by Lucknow Super Giants—Solanki said such tournaments are key platforms.
“These leagues are extremely important. They give us a chance to grab the spotlight and catch the eyes of IPL scouts. Our team had Arshin, Mukesh Choudhary, and myself. You get good competition, great infrastructure, and it’s like a mini-IPL in your own state. It’s a great opportunity for youngsters trying to make a mark,” he added.
With a calm head and Dhoni’s lessons close to heart, Solanki now has his eyes firmly set on MPL redemption and future IPL glory.