Back within the groove: Rahane confirmed his class with an unbeaten 58.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
In a First Class profession spanning effectively over 16 years, Ajinkya Rahane has 95 scores of 50-plus, together with memorable knocks for India in a number of the most difficult circumstances towards the hardest bowling line-ups.
Still, when he drove fellow veteran Umesh Yadav by covers within the dying moments of Monday’s proceedings on the Wankhede Stadium, he obtained a rousing applause from the spectator gallery and the dressing room alike.
Rahane, with the lean patch he has had all through the season (134 runs from 11 innings coming into the Ranji remaining), knew his job was solely half achieved and the Mumbai dressing room did its finest to let him realise they have been happier than their 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 fifties are that important for him with his stature,” Shams Mulani, the all-rounder, mentioned after the second day’s play.
Amazing
“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.”
With a hefty lead of 260 runs, many would assume the sport – and the much-awaited forty second Ranji title — is in Mumbai’s bag. But Mulani and his teammates aren’t trying too far forward.
“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 mentioned.
“There is still a long way to go and we are just looking right now to bat as much as possible.”
Yash optimistic
Yash Thakur, the Vidarbha pacer, put up a courageous entrance after a forgettable day for his group.
“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,” he mentioned.
“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.”
