‘I was the lowest-scoring player’: Ajinkya Rahane’s surprising statement after leading Mumbai to Ranji Trophy win | Cricket News

Ajinkya Rahane may have had a miserable time at the willow, but he was the “happiest man” in the Wankhede here on Thursday, leading Mumbai to the 42nd Ranji Trophy title. Mumbai beat Vidarbha by 169 runs to win the silver medal. Rahane ended Ranji’s season with a series of defeats and his 214 runs put him ninth among Mumbai’s run-scorers. But his timely 73 in the second innings of the final and a 130-run stand with young centurion Musheer Khan put the match beyond Vidarbha’s capabilities.

“Even though I was the lowest scorer in the team, lifting the trophy was the happiest thing for me. As a player, you go through ups and downs. The important thing is to create an atmosphere in the dressing room and enjoy each other’s success. That’s A special moment,” Rahane said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Last year, we failed to qualify for the knockout rounds by one point. We had to create the right culture and attitude in the team. We have created a fitness culture and I would like to thank MCA for all the support,” Rahane added.

Rahane praised Vidarbha’s fighting spirit on the fourth and fifth days of the finals.

“I want to appreciate Vidarbha’s fight. Chasing 538, it would be easy to give up, but they played very well.” Player of the Match Musheer Khan and Player of the Tournament Tanush Kotian thanked the captain for his guidance.

“I loved batting with him,” Mushel said, adding, “He would explain very well what he wanted from me during our time together.” Kotian thanked Rahane for helping him unleash his true batting His ball potential allowed him to score over 500 points.

“I got more confident in my batting last year and I trained hard with my father. Ajju dada (as the youngsters in the Mumbai team call him) also helped me a lot,” Kotian said, highlighting Rahane’s role in creating Healthy dressings contribute to room atmosphere.

For Dhawal Kulkarni, who is retiring, Rahane said any praise would be diminished considering his contribution to Mumbai cricket. Dawal has represented Mumbai in six finals and won the Ranji Trophy five times.

“We have played for Mumbai since the U-14 days. We have toured for India U-19 (New Zealand). Whatever praise I have for him, it will be less. His contribution is commendable. The off-field experience is shared, and Not sharing with those people not being on the team.”