Mumbai as Ranji Trophy champions once again; Victory over Vidarbha by 169 runs
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.With so many International and IPL stars in this line-up, it was actually the big hundred from Musheer Khan in the second innings and seven wickets from Tanush Kotian that actually proved to be the telling contribution for Mumbai in this final. This has been a collective effort from a team that has in unison prioritised domestic cricket and winning that shiny Ranji Trophy.
After the heartbreak two seasons ago, Ajinkya Rahane’s boys have gone the distance this time to get the trophy back home to Mumbai. And that concludes our coverage of this domestic season of Indian cricket, all eyes on the IPL now!! Join us from the 22nd of March, bye for now…
And now Ajinkya Rahane lifts that elusive Ranji Trophy, poses for a photo and then hands it over to Dhawal Kulkarni. Kulkarni holds the trophy aloft as Mumbai pose for a team photo. Shreyas Iyer wasn’t fit enough to take the field today, but he is there joining his team in the huddle and the photographs. Chants of ‘Ganpati Bappa Moriya’ break out with dhols blaring out in the background. The players’ hardwork has paid off, Mumbai are Ranji Trophy champions once again!
Ajinkya Rahane | Mumbai Captain: Before talking about us, I want to take a moment to appreciate Vidarbha. The way they showed fight throughout, it would have been very easy for them to give up. The way they have been playing for the last 7-8 years has been great to see. (On Ranji win) This moment is really special for us. Last year, we didn’t qualify by 1 run, that really hurt us.
We knew we had the talent and individuals, but what is important was creating the right culture and attitude. Would like to thank MCA for their support as well. (On personal form) Ups and downs as a part of the game, I never think about myself, it is always team first. I’m the happiest that we are champions despite me being the lowest run scorer for the team this year. This is a phase every player goes through, you need to keep working hard. Tonight, we celebrate. We enjoy the win because this has been a long, hard season.
Whenever we get back in June, we’ll plan for the next season. Want to credit the Mumbai support staff for their efforts in the backend throughout the season. (On Dhawal Kulkarni) I have been playing with him since U14 level, we toured U19 for India together. The way he conducts himself on and off the field, sharing his experiences with the younger boys has been really helpful for the side. He has been a role model, someone to look up to. I want to wish Dhawal all the very best in whatever he does with his future.
Mumbai players all getting their individual momentos now, the loudest cheer runs out when they announce Dhawal Kulkarni’s name.
Akshay Wadkar | Vidarbha Captain: We had a poor innings in the first innings here. Our batting was clicking throughout, and after getting Mumbai out early in the first innings, we had to bat well. However, we couldn’t do that and that’s where we fell short in this final. Mumbai bowled really well, specially Dhawal Kulkarni. The pitch was getting difficult to bat, but Mumbai’s batters showed great determination. We created a few chances – Musheer’s run out chance, Rahane’s LBW going to umpire’s call.
However, that partnership took the game away from us, and then the way Shreyas batted to score quickly in few balls, that took the momentum away from us. (On today morning) We just wanted to play it ball by ball, and defend throughout and try to frustrate them. If we frustrated them, then they would do something silly. We thought of this partnership being the last main partnership, because the batters after can defend, but run scoring would be tough. We focused a lot on fielding this season, everyday we did fielding drills. That’s how we managed to turn a few games this season.
