Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir at Sharad Pawar Academy saw a dramatic turnaround, thanks to the gritty performance of Shardul Thakur and Tanush Kotian. Mumbai, struggling at 5/6 after a flurry of early wickets, found a lifeline in Thakur and Kotian’s unbroken 173-run partnership. By the end of the day, Mumbai had reached 274/7, 188 runs ahead, with a fighting chance of a comeback.
Rohit Sharma’s Brief Knock
Rohit Sharma, who had been out of form, showed glimpses of his old self with a 28-run knock, his highest score in the last thirteen innings. However, he fell to a mental lapse, handing a catch to mid-wicket after spending over an hour at the crease. Though his form is still a work in progress, his early contribution gave Mumbai some hope before their top order collapsed under pressure from Jammu and Kashmir’s bowlers.
Thakur’s Resilience and Kotian’s Support
Shardul Thakur, along with Kotian, played a pivotal role in stabilizing Mumbai’s innings. Despite suffering from severe leg cramps, Thakur completed his second first-class century, scoring 113* off nearly a run per ball. Kotian, known for his contributions in crucial situations, provided solid support, ensuring that Mumbai’s lower order kept the fight alive. Their efforts not only put Mumbai ahead in the match but also lifted the team’s morale after a difficult start.
Jadeja Dominates Against Delhi, Saurashtra Clinches Victory
Meanwhile, in Rajkot, Ravindra Jadeja’s superb 12-wicket performance sealed a dominant win for Saurashtra against Delhi. Jadeja’s 7/38 in Delhi’s second innings, along with his earlier 5-wicket haul, ensured a comprehensive victory for Saurashtra with a bonus point, sending Delhi packing for just 94 runs.