Mantri's Century Guides Madhya Pradesh to First Innings Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Mantri’s Century Guides Madhya Pradesh to First Innings Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Himanshu Mantri’s masterful century propelled Madhya Pradesh to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha. Resuming on 47 for one, Mantri anchored the innings with a patient and technically sound knock of 126 off 265 deliveries. His innings, studded with 13 boundaries and a six, proved crucial as Madhya Pradesh gained an 82-run lead in the first innings.

Mantri’s knock was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite losing his opening partner early, he forged a solid partnership with Harsh Gawli, extending their alliance to 61 runs. However, Vidarbha’s pacers struck back, dismissing Gawli and two more batsmen in quick succession.

Undeterred, Mantri found support in Sagar Solanki, adding 42 runs for the fifth wicket. He then combined with Saransh Jain for a crucial 73-run stand, taking Madhya Pradesh past Vidarbha’s first innings total.

As the pitch eased out, spinners Aditya Sarwate and Akshay Wakhare posed some challenges. However, Mantri’s skill and experience allowed him to counter their threats effectively. He reached his century with a quick single off Wakhare, celebrating the milestone with a roar.

Unfortunately, Mantri’s dismissal soon after, along with Jain’s, halted Madhya Pradesh’s progress. However, their contributions had already laid the foundation for a strong lead.

In their second innings, Vidarbha lost Atharva Taide early, trailing by 69 runs at stumps. The match remains finely poised, with Madhya Pradesh holding a significant advantage but Vidarbha still in contention.

Thakur's Century, Kotian's Heroics Give Mumbai Commanding Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Thakur’s Century, Kotian’s Heroics Give Mumbai Commanding Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Shardul Thakur’s scintillating century and Tanush Kotian’s unbeaten half-century propelled Mumbai to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Thakur’s counterattacking 109, featuring 13 fours and four sixes, rescued Mumbai from a precarious 106 for seven.

Sai Kishore’s six-wicket haul had threatened to derail Mumbai’s innings, but Thakur’s onslaught turned the tide. He forged crucial partnerships with Hardik Tamore (35) and Kotian (74 not out), adding 105 and 79 runs respectively.

Thakur’s innings was a masterclass in aggression and adaptability. He pierced gaps with precision and cleared the field with disdain, bringing up his maiden century across formats. Despite an ankle injury, he continued to torment the Tamil Nadu bowlers.

Kotian, who had played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s previous match with a 232-run stand for the 10th wicket, continued his impressive form. He played like a specialist batter, cracking 10 fours in his unbeaten 74.

Mumbai’s tailenders once again played a crucial role, with Tushar Deshpande (17 not out) joining Kotian to add an unbeaten 63 runs for the 10th wicket. This rearguard action gave Mumbai a massive 207-run first-innings lead.

Sai Kishore’s impressive bowling performance was overshadowed by Thakur’s heroics. The Tamil Nadu skipper opened the bowling in conditions favoring seamers and delivered a superb spell of 17-6-28-4 in the first session. He also dismissed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer.

Despite the setback, Mumbai’s young opener Musheer (55) showed maturity and resilience. However, a lapse in concentration led to his dismissal, leaving Thakur to take charge of the innings.

BCCI's Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Lifeline for Ranji Trophy

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Lifeline for Ranji Trophy

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Step Towards Preserving Tradition

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to mandate players to participate in domestic cricket. This move aims to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, which have been overshadowed by the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

Tiwary, who recently retired from cricket, believes that the BCCI’s mandate is crucial for the survival of domestic cricket. He has observed a shift in players’ priorities, with many prioritizing IPL contracts over domestic performances.

“Youngsters and established players speak only about IPL during domestic matches,” Tiwary said. “When you get 5 cr or 7 cr, players start thinking in their subconsciousness.”

This mindset has led to players faking injuries to avoid exerting themselves in domestic matches, Tiwary revealed. “They try to avoid the last bit of effort required to dive and save a boundary that might have been crucial for the domestic team,” he said.

The BCCI’s mandate has been met with mixed reactions. While some former cricketers and experts have praised the move, others have called for it to be applied equally to all players.

Despite the criticism, the BCCI’s decision is a step in the right direction. It sends a clear message that domestic cricket remains a vital part of the Indian cricket ecosystem. By ensuring that players are available for their respective teams, the BCCI is safeguarding the integrity and competitiveness of these tournaments.

In addition to preserving tradition, the BCCI’s mandate also serves a practical purpose. It provides players with an opportunity to maintain their fitness and form during the off-season. By participating in domestic cricket, players can stay sharp and ready for international duty.

The BCCI’s decision is a bold one, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term health of Indian cricket. By prioritizing domestic cricket, the BCCI is investing in the future of the game and ensuring that the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments continue to produce world-class players.

Tamil Nadu's Sai Kishore Joins Elite Club with 50 Ranji Wickets

Tamil Nadu’s Sai Kishore Joins Elite Club with 50 Ranji Wickets

Tamil Nadu’s R Sai Kishore has etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history by becoming only the third bowler from his state to claim 50 wickets in a single season. The left-arm spinner achieved this remarkable feat during the semifinal clash against Mumbai at the BKC Ground on Sunday.

Sai Kishore’s exceptional performance came on the back of a sterling five-wicket haul that dismantled the Mumbai middle-order on Day Two of the semifinal encounter. Despite Tamil Nadu enduring a batting collapse on the opening day, Sai Kishore’s inspired bowling performance turned the tide in his team’s favor.

The 27-year-old spinner’s pivotal role in the match was evident from the outset, as he swiftly made inroads into the Mumbai batting lineup. Trapping opener Bhupen Lalwani leg-before, Sai Kishore set the tone for his dominant display with the ball. His relentless pressure continued in the opening session, culminating in the dismissal of night-watchman Mohit Avasthi.

The defining moment of Sai Kishore’s spell arrived when he accounted for the prized wicket of Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane, inducing an outside-edge that was pouched by the slip fielder. Sai Kishore capped off his virtuoso performance by claiming successive scalps in the 48th over, dismissing the well-set Musheer Khan and then dismantling Shams Mulani’s stumps with a vicious delivery that spun sharply.

Sai Kishore’s sensational form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season has been nothing short of remarkable. With at least four wickets in each of his last four innings, including a stellar nine-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Saurashtra, the left-arm spinner has emerged as a potent force in Tamil Nadu’s bowling arsenal.

By joining the esteemed company of legendary spinners S Venkataraghavan and Aashish Kapoor, Sai Kishore has solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in domestic cricket. His 10th First-Class five-for across 39 matches underscores his consistency and impact on the field.

With six four-wicket hauls and three five-fors in the ongoing Ranji season, Sai Kishore’s stellar performances exemplify his unwavering commitment to excellence and his invaluable contributions to Tamil Nadu’s quest for glory in the prestigious tournament.

Shreyas Iyer Fails to Impress in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights Back

Shreyas Iyer Fails to Impress in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights Back

Shreyas Iyer Disappoints in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights Back

Out-of-favor India batter Shreyas Iyer’s return to domestic cricket proved underwhelming as he failed to make an impact in the Ranji Trophy semifinal match between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu. Representing Mumbai, Iyer was dismissed for a mere 3 runs by Tamil Nadu pacer Sandeep Warrier in the first innings.

Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, had a promising start, with Rahane and Musheer Khan putting on a 43-run partnership. However, Iyer’s dismissal, followed by the fall of Rahane, left Mumbai reeling at 96/5.

Tamil Nadu skipper B Sai Kishore led the charge with the ball, claiming five wickets for 31 runs in 20 overs. Mumbai struggled at 125/7 at lunch on the second day, but managed to reduce the first-innings deficit to just 21 runs by the end of the first session.

Iyer’s poor performance was a disappointment, as he had hoped to impress on his return to domestic cricket after failing to secure a BCCI central contract. Unfortunately, he failed to deliver in the first innings.

Tamil Nadu’s remarkable comeback put Mumbai under pressure after a dismal opening day, where they were bowled out for just 146. The visitors’ resurgence was led by Sai Kishore’s five-wicket haul and a disciplined bowling performance.

Shreyas Iyer's Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

Shreyas Iyer’s Central Contract Omission Sparks Controversy

Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the BCCI’s central contract list has sparked controversy, with many questioning the decision to exclude the talented batsman. Iyer’s recent performance in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, where he scored just 3 runs before being dismissed, has further fueled the debate.

Iyer’s absence from the central contract list has been attributed to his alleged prioritization of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over domestic red-ball cricket. Reports suggest that Iyer attended a pre-IPL camp with his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, while claiming to have a back injury that prevented him from playing in a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai.

However, a report by The Indian Express revealed that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) provided a contradictory fitness report on Iyer, casting doubt on the validity of his injury claim. This has led to speculation that Iyer’s exclusion from the central contract list may have been influenced by his perceived lack of commitment to domestic cricket.

Iyer’s supporters argue that he has consistently performed well for India and Mumbai, and that his decision to attend the KKR camp was solely to improve his fitness. They point out that Iyer skipped the IPL to participate in the World Cup and played through pain during the tournament.

Furthermore, they argue that players should have the freedom to train under coaches of their choice and that Iyer’s decision to work with the KKR Academy should not be held against him. They also question why Iyer was not given a break after the World Cup and was asked to play in a Ranji game ahead of the Test series against England.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Iyer from the central contract list has sent a strong message to young cricketers that they must prioritize domestic cricket over the IPL. However, it remains to be seen whether this decision will have the desired effect or if it will simply alienate talented players who feel they are not being treated fairly.

Ranji Trophy vs. IPL: The Debate Over Domestic Cricket's Importance

Ranji Trophy vs. IPL: The Debate Over Domestic Cricket’s Importance

The Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) recent decision to withhold central contracts from Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for skipping the Ranji Trophy has sparked a debate about the relative importance of the domestic tournament and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

While the IPL undoubtedly offers greater financial rewards and media attention, former India opener Devang Gandhi, who served on the senior selection committee until 2020, argues that Ranji Trophy performances remain paramount for Test team selection. He cites examples of Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj, who all played significant red-ball cricket before earning national call-ups.

However, there have been exceptions, such as Ajinkya Rahane’s selection for the World Test Championship final after a strong IPL season. Gandhi suggests that this was due to Rahane’s proven track record in England, rather than solely his IPL performances.

Rajasthan Royals star Dhruv Jurel, who made his Test debut recently, also has an impressive first-class average of 50.78. Other recent Test debutants, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep, have all excelled in the Ranji Trophy.

Sunil Subramaniam, R Ashwin’s former coach, believes the IPL is a valuable indicator of a player’s temperament on the big stage. However, he acknowledges a problem in the system, with the significant pay disparity between IPL and domestic cricket leading many young players to prioritize the former.

Subramaniam suggests that top players should set an example by playing Ranji Trophy whenever possible, but acknowledges that workload management for pace bowlers is a concern. He believes the BCCI’s recent diktat has come too late and that a systemic change is needed, starting with the very top players.

Mumbai Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Opener After Poor First Session

Mumbai Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Opener After Poor First Session

Tamil Nadu’s Poor First Session Puts Mumbai in Control of Ranji Trophy Clash

In a crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, Tamil Nadu’s decision to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at the Brabourne Stadium backfired spectacularly, leaving them in a precarious position. Mumbai’s pacers exploited the conditions to their advantage, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146 in just 90 minutes.

Tamil Nadu skipper R. Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first raised eyebrows, with Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat questioning the logic on social media. Former cricketer Vijay Dhaiya, who conducted the toss, described it as a “brave call,” but Sai Kishore defended his decision, stating that he was unsure of the wicket’s behavior.

Mumbai’s pacers, led by Tushar Deshpande, made the most of the overcast conditions and the pitch’s assistance for pace bowlers. Deshpande expressed surprise at Tamil Nadu’s decision, acknowledging the favorable conditions for seamers in the first session.

Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack, which included the inclusion of pacer Kuldeep Sen, failed to capitalize on the crucial toss win. Instead, Ajinkya Rahane’s Mumbai team now has the advantage of batting in the best conditions, putting them in a strong position to take control of the match.

Sourav Ganguly Praises Sarfaraz Khan's Five-Day Format Potential

Sourav Ganguly Praises Sarfaraz Khan’s Five-Day Format Potential

Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain, has lauded young batter Sarfaraz Khan’s potential in the five-day format. Sarfaraz, a right-handed batter, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket for the past three years. He recently made his Test debut against England in Rajkot, where he impressed with scores of 62 and 68 not out.

Ganguly believes that Sarfaraz’s game is well-suited to the longer format. “I think he’s more of a five-day player. His game is suited for that. T20 is a different format,” Ganguly said. “The amount of runs he scored in domestic cricket, in the Ranji trophy and in first-class cricket has been phenomenal.”

Sarfaraz’s rise to international cricket has been a long-awaited one. He has been a prolific run-scorer in first-class cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy. In the 2021-22 season, he topped the run-scoring charts with 982 runs in six matches. He also finished fifth in the 2019-20 season with 928 runs in six matches.

In the unofficial Test series against England Lions, Sarfaraz performed well for India A, scoring 96 in a Tour match and 161 in an unofficial Test.

Overall, Sarfaraz has scored 4056 runs in 47 first-class matches at an average of 68.74. He has scored 14 centuries and 13 fifties, with a best score of 301 not out.

Ganguly’s praise for Sarfaraz is a testament to the young batter’s talent and potential. Sarfaraz has shown that he has the ability to score runs consistently at the highest level. With his impressive record in domestic cricket, he is likely to be a key player for India in the future.

Avesh Khan's Pace Prowess Gives MP Control in Ranji Semifinal

Avesh Khan’s Pace Prowess Gives MP Control in Ranji Semifinal

Avesh Khan’s incisive bowling spearheaded Madhya Pradesh’s dominance on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur. The pacer’s four-wicket haul, complemented by Kulwant Khejroliya and Venkatesh Iyer’s two wickets each, restricted Vidarbha to a paltry 170.

The VCA Stadium pitch offered ample carry, allowing the MP bowlers to exploit the conditions. Avesh struck early, dismissing opener Dhruv Shorey, and continued to trouble the Vidarbha batsmen throughout the innings. Khejroliya and Iyer provided valuable support, keeping the pressure on the opposition.

Vidarbha’s only resistance came from Karun Nair, who top-scored with a gritty 63. However, he lacked support from his teammates, as wickets fell at regular intervals. Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade shared a 36-run partnership, but it proved insufficient to build a substantial total.

MP’s fielding was equally impressive, with Yash Dubey taking a stunning catch to dismiss Akshay Wadkar. The visitors’ bowlers maintained their accuracy throughout the day, preventing Vidarbha from gaining any momentum.

In response, MP reached 47 for one at close, trailing by 123 runs. The lone wicket to fall was that of Dubey, who edged Umesh Yadav to Wadkar.

Avesh Khan’s performance has put MP in a commanding position in the semifinal. The pacer’s ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch has made him a key threat to Vidarbha’s hopes of a comeback.

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