Fantastic Display of Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma Lead Wishes as Mumbai Win 42nd Ranji Trophy

The eight-year Ranji Title drought ended for Mumbai as they beat Vidarbha by 169 runs on day 5 of the final to clinch their record-42nd championship title, here at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

The performance of bowlers was led by veteran Dhawal Kulkarni who was playing his farewell match, Mumbai’s victory was a fitting tribute to Kulkarni’s legacy of excellence in domestic cricket.

Mumbai’s spin-bowling allrounder Tanush Kotian and fast bowler Tushar Deshpande emerged as the architects of Vidarbha’s downfall, dismantling their batting lineup and dismissing them for 368 in an unprecedented chase of 538.

Despite the valiant efforts of Vidarbha’s captain Akshay Wadkar and rookie Harsh Dubey, who had defied Mumbai’s bowlers in a wicket-less morning session, thanks to a 130-run sixth-wicket stand between Akshay Wadkar and Harsh Dubey, leaving 290 runs needed off the last day in their 538-run chase.

Wadkar was the first wicket to fall on day five as he plumbed in front of the wicket by Kotian. The 102-run knock of Wadkar kept Vidarbha in the contest but after he got out it was all Mumbai’s game.

However, their collapse in the next few overs put an end to Vidarbha’s hopes of winning a third First-Class title. With the ball, Tanush Kotian shone, taking four wickets, including the legendary Wadkar. Deshpande took two wickets at the end of the day.

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Fittingly, it was Kulkarni, the stalwart of Mumbai cricket, who delivered the final blow, bowling Umesh Yadav to seal victory and bid farewell to his beloved team in style. With his captain Ajinkya Rahane and the adoring Wankhede crowd cheering him on, Kulkarni’s emotional send-off marked the end of an era, as he departed as a true domestic legend, having played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s cricketing legacy.