The Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Karnataka was a real nail biter. Though, Mumbai won by six runs at last but the way Karnataka fought throughout the match was laudable.
The whole match saw loads of ups and downs over three days. Few players from both the sides chipped in with important contributions. First, R Vinay Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun were fantastic with the new ball for Karnataka. They were full of energy and the desire to do well.
Avishkar Salvi did it for Mumbai in the first innings. His five-for proved crucial in dismissing the opponents for a paltry total. Dhawal Kulkarni’s 87- run innings were important in getting the vital lead in the second innings.
But it was Manish Pandey’s breathtaking innings that gave Karnataka a real chance to win the title after a gap of nine years. He was brilliant on both sides of the wicket. His shots on the off-side on back foot as well as his pulls and hooks were just exemplary. And, who could forget the magical catch he took at long-on to send Abhishek Nayar back to pavilion?
Karantaka pace duo
Vinay, showed us once again that why he is rated so high in domestic cricket. Mithun, playing his first domestic season, bowled his heart out. He, together with his new ball partner Vinay, shared bulk of the wickets this season and played a pivotal role in almost clinching a victory for their side in the finale. One could see the dedication and efforts in their strides.
'AAD' shine for Mumbai
Ajit Agarkar’s bowling in the second innings, Avishkar Salvi’s in the first and Dhawal Kulkarni gritty innings with the bat proved crucial at the end. Ajit, though wayward initially, bowled with precision later on. His knack of getting the crucial breakthroughs when needed always kept Mumbai in the game.
Avishkar, whose career has been ravaged with injuries throughout, bowled in the right areas and was rewarded for his consistency. Though, the decision to send Dhawal Kulkarni ahead of Agarkar and Ramesh Powar was baffling, it worked for Mumbai. He played with composure and did not try anything outside his limitations.
A star in the making!
Manish Pandey, who impressed one and all in the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year, was superb in the season. He scored 882 runs that include four 100s and an equal number of half centuries with an impressive average of 62 this season. His composure at the crease, balance and ability to score runs even on good balls make him a serious contender to knock on the Indian team door in the near future.
The only thing he has to watch out for is the pitfall along the way to stardom. Many have observed it before and he is too good a candidate to go on the same line.
