Two titles and a runner-up end within the final decade. And a knockouts faceoff for the second successive season. No surprise that Mumbai versus Maharashtra is passe. It’s Mumbai vs Vidarbha that’s emerged as the brand new Maharashtra Derby within the Ranji Trophy.
Akshay Wadkar’s low-profile but excessive on confidence Vidarbha takes on Ajinkya Rahane-led star-studded Mumbai within the semifinal beginning on Monday on the Vidarbha Cricket Affiliation Stadium on the outskirts of the Orange Metropolis.
Vidarbha has loved nice success proper via the season – earlier than and after the limited-overs leg. Rahane admitted that host Vidarbha has a slight edge heading into the essential tie, particularly at Jamtha.
The black soil strip on the stadium – ready by Abhijit Piprode’s staff below the watchful eyes of senior BCCI curator Taposh Chatterjee – is prone to hand benefit to the staff that bats large within the first innings.
On this respect, Vidarbha will hope to stifle a shaky Mumbai prime six regardless of the presence of Rahane and Suryakumar Yadav. With Yashasvi Jaiswal having been dominated out as a result of a mysterious ankle harm, an inconsistent Mumbai batting line-up stays fickle as ever.
If the Vidarbha bowlers – particularly lead spinner Harsh Dubey – can account for the all-rounder trio of Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur and Tanush Kotian who’ve been Mumbai’s saviours for a lot of the previous two seasons – then the house staff can hope to get one step nearer to its third title.
Jaiswal’s unavailability – he was launched from the squad on Sunday – will imply Ayush Mhatre will get one other alternative. Having began the primary half on a powerful word, the 17-year-old can be below strain to return good within the large sport.
Printed – February 16, 2025 07:23 pm IST
