Mumbai Defeats Vidarbha By 169 Runs, Clinches 42nd Ranji Trophy Title

Mumbai bowlers dominated the final session on the fifth day to dismiss Vidarbha for 368 and secure a historic victory in the Ranji Trophy final. This win marks their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, the first since the 2015-16 season.

Spin-bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian and fast bowler Tushar Deshpande were instrumental in dismantling Vidarbha’s batting line-up. Their combined efforts bundled out the opposition well short of the target of 538 runs. Captain Akshay Wadkar and youngster Harsh Dubey had frustrated Mumbai with a resolute performance in the morning session, but Kotian broke the deadlock after lunch.

Veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni fittingly claimed the winning wicket in his last match for Mumbai. Cheered on by his captain Ajinkya Rahane and the home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium, Kulkarni dismissed Umesh Yadav to seal a memorable farewell. This victory adds to Kulkarni’s legacy as a Mumbai stalwart, having previously secured a five-wicket haul in a Ranji Trophy final back in 2009.

With Kulkarni stepping down, Mumbai’s pace attack appears to be in good hands. Tushar Deshpande impressed with his aggressive bowling on the final day, while Mohit Avasthi, the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker this season with 35 scalps, is another promising talent. Unfortunately, Avasthi missed the final due to injury, leading to Kulkarni’s inclusion.

Despite Shreyas Iyer’s absence due to a back issue for the second consecutive day, Mumbai displayed remarkable resilience to reclaim their domestic dominance.

Kotian, who had a phenomenal season with a combined tally of 502 runs and 29 wickets, was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. He played a pivotal role in shifting the momentum decisively in Mumbai’s favor. His accurate delivery around the wicket resulted in Wadkar’s dismissal after a well-fought century. Kotian followed this up with Yash Thakur’s wicket, hastening Mumbai’s march towards victory.