Mumbai roared back to claim their 42nd championship victory in Ranji Trophy 2024 season, ending an agonizing eight-year drought since their last triumph in the 2015-16 season. The resounding victory came as Mumbai defeated Vidarbha by 169 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
Led by the seasoned Ajinkya Rahane, who etched his name as the 26th Mumbai captain to lift the prestigious Ranji Trophy, Mumbai displayed formidable prowess throughout the match. The climax unfolded with Mumbai setting an imposing target of 538 runs for the visiting team at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
Entering Day 4’s Stumps, Vidarbha faced a monumental task at 248 for 5 in 92 overs, with Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey shouldering the batting responsibilities. Despite a valiant effort from Wadkar, who notched a century off 195 balls, Mumbai’s bowlers demonstrated resilience. Tanush Kotian emerged as a pivotal figure, claiming an impressive 4 wickets for 95 runs, supported by Tushar Deshpande and Musheer Khan, as Vidarbha struggled to maintain momentum.
Amidst the intense battle, Mumbai's veteran campaigner Dhawal Kulkarni, bidding farewell to the sport, delivered a poignant moment as he dismissed Umesh Yadav, sealing Mumbai’s victory in the final showdown.
The 42nd title triumph further cements Mumbai’s legacy as a dominant force in Indian domestic cricket, reaffirming their stature as perennial contenders for the Ranji Trophy. With this remarkable achievement, Mumbai celebrates not only a victory but a resurgence, marking a glorious chapter in their cricketing history.