Its now or never for comeback man Nayar

Abhishek Nayars brisk walk to the practice pitch was a stark contrast to the cloudy,lazy day at the Bandra Kurla Complex

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Abhishek Nayars brisk walk to the practice pitch was a stark contrast to the cloudy,lazy day at the Bandra Kurla Complex on Tuesday. Walking a few paces behind Rohit Sharma,confidante and team-mate,Nayar had a few agendas on his mind. As the best friends batted on adjacent pitches against paltry net bowlers,the intensity in Nayars eyes was there for all to see.

Coming back into the Mumbai line-up from an ankle injury just before their fourth Ranji Trophy clash against Assam,Nayar had a lot on his mind: a depressingly forgettable season mired with a range of injuries. And as Sharma egged him on with a few quiet words of encouragement from the neighbouring net area,Nayar found his stride quickly.

The left-handed batsman is now hoping to continue the new-found form against the visiting Assamese at home. It is really disturbing that you cant do much but to sit and wait for the injuries to recover. It was very frustrating. I wanted to perform to come back into the reckoning,but injuries ensured that I couldnt find batting form, Nayar said.

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So,Nayar has decided to start from scratch against Amol Muzumdars side. I know only a big score can bring back me to notice,especially at a time when so many guys are competing for recognition, he added.

After missing out on almost the entire last season,including the third season of the Indian Premier League,Nayar wants to start afresh and also refresh the memories of the national selectors. Memory is short-lived in a sport like cricket in India. I know that one day I will make a comeback again. My heart says it is not yet over,I will give my best shot here on. Come Wednesday,Assam will be the first of many opportunities.

Rain threatens Delhi tie

Rajkot: Unseasonal rains over the last few days may play spoilsport in the match starting Wednesday at the SCA stadium at Khandheri between Saurashtra and Delhi. Neither team could practice on Tuesday and curator Rasik Makwana is concerned that the opening days play may also be washed out.

Saurashtra,with just two points from three matches,are eyeing maximum points after the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara and Jaidev Unadkat. Delhi,though,will not have Virender Sehwag,Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra.