Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Final: ‘We celebrated Rahane’s fifty like it’s a century,’ says Mumbai’s Mulani

With a hefty lead of 260 runs at the end of Day 2, Mumbai looks favourite to beat Vidarbha and clinch its 42nd Ranji title.

Mumbai’s Ajinkya Rahane in action during the Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI/The Hindu

In a First-Class career spanning over 16 years, Ajinkya Rahane has 95 scores of 50-plus, including memorable knocks for India in some of the most challenging conditions against the toughest bowling attacks.

Still, when he drove fellow veteran Umesh Yadav through cover in the dying moments of Monday’s proceedings at the Wankhede Stadium, he received rousing applause from the spectator gallery and the dressing room.

However, Rahane knew with the lean patch he has had throughout the season – 134 runs from 11 innings coming into the Ranji Trophy final – his job was only half done. 

The Mumbai dressing room did its best to show appreciation for its captain.

“We celebrated like it was a hundred because we knew how important this small milestone is for him. Throughout his career, I don’t think Ranji Trophy fifties are that important for him with his stature,” Shams Mulani, the all-rounder, said after the second day’s play.

“But for us, for the team, for himself in this situation, it was very important that he stays on the wicket because his presence is much more important for us. And the way he batted as well, I think it was amazing,” Mulani added.

With a hefty lead of 260 runs, many would think the game – and the much-awaited 42nd Ranji Trophy title - is in the bag for Mumbai. But Mulani and his teammates aren’t looking too far ahead.

“We will bat along. We obviously know that the wicket might deteriorate in the fourth innings - or it might help our bowlers, but we are just thinking of batting as much as possible,” Mulani said. “There is still a long way to go, and we are just looking right now to bat as much as possible.”

Thakur optimistic

Yash Thakur, the Vidarbha pacer, put up a brave front after a forgettable day for his team.

“It is a long game, a five-day game. We have a chance to come back, and we believe [that] we will come back in this game,” Thakur said. 

“It is a part of the game that we collapsed. We are chasing the game, but cricket is a funny game, and you can make a comeback anytime,” he added.