In what can only be described as an epic conclusion to a long-awaited dream, the seasoned pro Ajinkya Rahane captained the Mumbai cricket team to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, further establishing their dominance in the domestic circuit. The Wankhede Stadium, bearing witness to countless cricketing narratives, added another chapter to its storied past with Mumbai’s impressive win against Vidarbha on an eventful Thursday, thus putting an end to an arduous eight-year trophy drought.
Staring down a daunting and nearly insurmountable 538-run target, Vidarbha succumbed on the fifth day of play, their innings crumbling at 368 runs. The spotlight shone on the twirling finesse of Mumbai’s spin all-rounders – the diligent Tanush Kotian and the young Musheer Khan. Their performances proved pivotal, with Kotian bagging four crucial wickets in the second innings. Meanwhile, Khan’s artistry with the bat earned him a splendid century, along with the Player of the Match award, cementing his role in the team’s impressive display.
Rahane, a veteran whose international exploits have painted him as one of the formidable talents of the game, played no small part in the final. Crafting a vital 73 runs from 143 deliveries in Mumbai’s second innings, the captain led from the front. However, this half-century marked only his second in the Ranji Trophy 2024, reflective of a domestic season that fell short of his towering standards.
A place in the Test cricket team no longer assured, Rahane’s journey this season was marred by struggle and contemplation. With a total of 214 runs across 13 innings at an average of 17.83, he found himself as Mumbai’s ninth-highest run-getter in the tournament. Yet, amidst personal performance woes, his spirit remained unscathed. In the wash of victory’s glow, Rahane expressed he felt like the ‘happiest player’ in his title-winning team.
The post-match presentation saw Rahane reflect on his experience, “Even though I am the lowest scorer for my team, I am the happiest to lift the trophy. As a player, you will have ups and downs. It’s about creating an atmosphere in the dressing room and enjoying each other’s success. This is a special moment. Last year, we failed to qualify for the knock-outs by one run. We had to create the right culture and attitude in the team. We created a fitness culture and I would thank MCA for providing all the support.”
His captaincy exemplified leadership that transcends numbers and statistics, fostering a culture of camaraderie and resilience. It was this ethos that enabled Mumbai to recover from the previous season’s heartache and ascend the summit once more.
Rahane’s gratitude extended beyond the immediate circle of his teammates and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), as he lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their renewed focus on nurturing domestic cricket. “I want to mention about BCCI for giving importance to domestic cricket, which is a very good thing. Allowing players to go and play domestic cricket is very important,” Rahane added, emphasizing the cornerstone role domestic circuits play in fortifying the foundations of national teams.
In related developments, the MCA announced a generous doubling of the prize money, with the victorious Mumbai team set to receive an additional Rs 5 crore in recognition of their exceptional achievement. The cricketing fraternity, including icons Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, reveled in Mumbai’s success, their reactions mirroring the collective jubilation of a proud cricketing tradition. Even as the Royal Challengers Bangalore commenced their preparatory march towards the IPL 2024 without their former captain Virat Kohli, the celebrations in the Mumbai camp were just beginning.
Mumbai’s triumph speaks volumes of the impact a determined leader can have. Ajinkya Rahane, with his blend of calmness, tactical acumen, and the ability to inspire, has etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history—not merely as a player, but as a harbinger of triumph in the face of adversity.
