Ajinkya Rahane produced a captain’s knock under pressure, scoring a composed and match-winning unbeaten 73 to guide Mumbai to a six-wicket victory over Gujarat in their Ranji Trophy clash. Chasing 214 on the final day is never straightforward in red-ball cricket, but Rahane’s calm presence ensured Mumbai crossed the line without panic, reaffirming his enduring value in the domestic game.
Mumbai began the fourth innings knowing the target was achievable but required discipline. Early wickets could have opened the door for Gujarat, and the pitch still offered enough assistance to keep bowlers interested. Rahane walked in with clarity of purpose — survival first, control next, and victory as the inevitable outcome if patience was maintained.
From the outset, Rahane showed why he remains one of the finest fourth-innings batters in Indian cricket. He trusted his defense, played late under his eyes, and resisted the temptation to chase quick runs. Gujarat’s bowlers tested him with probing lines and subtle movement, but Rahane’s technique and judgment stood firm. Leaves outside off stump and soft hands were just as important as the boundaries he later struck.
As the innings progressed, Rahane shifted gears smoothly. Once settled, he began to rotate strike with ease, ensuring Mumbai never felt scoreboard pressure. His understanding of match situations was evident — he attacked only when bowlers erred and shut down risk when Gujarat tried to build pressure with tight fields. This balance allowed Mumbai to keep the chase on track without sacrificing wickets.
The middle phase of the innings highlighted Rahane’s leadership qualities. With partners coming and going, he anchored the chase, offering reassurance at the other end. Younger batters benefited from his calm communication and clear calling, which helped avoid nervous moments. Every small partnership nudged Mumbai closer to the target, steadily draining Gujarat’s belief.
Rahane’s shot selection reflected maturity rather than flair. Crisp drives, controlled flicks, and the occasional pull shot punished loose deliveries, but there was no overreach. Even when the target dipped below 50, Rahane resisted the urge to finish the game quickly, instead choosing certainty over spectacle.
As Mumbai closed in on victory, Rahane ensured there were no late twists. He managed the final phase expertly, keeping wickets intact and striking the balance between caution and intent. The winning runs came with Rahane still at the crease, unbeaten and unflustered — a fitting end to a chase shaped entirely by his control.
Beyond the immediate result, the innings carried broader significance. Rahane’s knock was a reminder of the importance of experience in domestic cricket. In an era increasingly dominated by aggressive batting, his innings showcased the enduring value of patience, technique, and situational awareness.
For Gujarat, Rahane’s resistance proved decisive. Despite disciplined bowling and sustained effort, they lacked the breakthroughs needed to unsettle Mumbai once he settled in.
Ajinkya Rahane’s 73* was not just a match-winning innings — it was a masterclass in fourth-innings batting. Calm, calculated, and decisive, it underlined why Mumbai continue to trust his leadership and why, in pressure chases, Rahane remains one of the safest hands in Indian domestic cricket.
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