As the Ranji Trophy final unfolds at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, captain Ajinkya Rahane has made a compelling statement with the bat, striking a crucial fifty on day 2 against Vidarbha. His performance comes at a pivotal time amidst the backdrop of growing concerns over his form for the state team. Rahane, displaying resilience and focus, ended the day unbeaten on 58, accompanied by young Musheer Khan who secured his own half-century with an assertive 51*. The Mumbai team has placed itself firmly in the driver’s seat, leading by a formidable 260 runs with two wickets still in hand as they progress through their third innings.
The preceding day concluded with Mumbai’s bowlers inflicting early damage on Vidarbha, leaving them reeling at 31/3. The momentum continued as Mumbai dismissed their opponents for a paltry 105, thanks to a spirited bowling performance, thereby established a substantial 119-run advantage. As Mumbai’s batsmen took to the crease, early setbacks were witnessed with the dismissal of openers Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani. It was then that Rahane, together with the young Musheer, took control of the innings. Their unbroken partnership added an invaluable 107* runs, positioning Mumbai at 141/2 by the close of play.
The day commenced with Mumbai’s bowling attack, particularly Dhawal Kulkarni in his final match, triggering the initial breakthrough. His dismissal of Atharva Taide set the tone, which was then emphatically followed up by Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian’s destructive spells. Mulani rampaged through Vidarbha’s middle order, taking three wickets in consecutive overs, which included the likes of Aditya Thakare, Akshay Wadkar, and Harsh Dubey. Yash Rathod, Vidarbha’s top run-scorer with 27, could not withstand Kotian’s off-spin and was soon dispatched. Kotian, with his relentless attack, ensured the lower order failed to mount any resistance with Yash Thakur and Umesh Yadav falling to astute catches as Vidarbha capitulated.
On the batting front, Rahane and Musheer showed commendable composure, enduring the fast bowling spell delivered by Umesh Yadav. Musheer, initially struggling to find his rhythm, eventually settled, allowing the duo to remain unconquered at the crease. With batting stalwarts like Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Tamore, Shams Mulani, and Shardul Thakur yet to come, Mumbai stands in a robust position to build upon their lead further.
As the match continues, the composition of the teams is keenly noted. Mumbai’s Playing XI comprises of Prithvi Shaw, Bhupen Lalwani, Musheer Khan, captain Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore, Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande and Dhawal Kulkarni. Vidarbha’s side fields Atharva Taide, Dhruv Shorey, Aman Mokhade, Karun Nair, highest run-scorer Yash Rathod, captain and wicketkeeper Akshay Wadkar, Aditya Sarwate, Umesh Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur, and Aditya Thakare.
With the stakes high in this prestigious finale of India’s foremost domestic cricket championship, all eyes remain fixed on the Mumbai team, captained by the experienced Rahane, whose recent fifty has come as a reassuring sign of returning form and steely determination to lead from the front.
