Mumbai cricket team captain Ajinkya Rahane narrowly missed out on what would have been a well-deserved hundred in the Irani Cup tie against Rest of India (ROI). Resuming play for Mumbai on Day 2 in Lucknow, the veteran missed out on his 41st first-class hundred by an agonizing three-run margin. The tournament marks the return of Rahane to the Indian domestic circuit as he gears up for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.
Rahane misses ton in Irani Cup tie by 3 runs
Rahane was on 97 when Yash Dayal struck to hand the Mumbai skipper a heartbreak. A brief moment of relief turned into agony for the batter after the umpire’s on-field decision for a caught out was overturned, thanks to a successful review from Rest of India. The Mumbai skipper was forced to finish his innings at 97 runs from 234 deliveries, laced with seven fours and one six.
Rahane walked out to bat on Day 1 after Mumbai’s top-order flopped, thanks to a triple strike from Mukesh Kumar. He played a crucial role in steadying the ship for the side along with Shreyas Iyer, who also managed to score a half-century but departed soon after. Rahane found the perfect partner in Sarfaraz Khan as the duo left the ROI bowlers frustrated at the end of play on Day 1.
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Out of contention for a spot in the Indian Test side, Rahane is currently gearing up for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The veteran batter led Mumbai to yet another title earlier this year and will be hoping to replicate the feat in the upcoming domestic season. The Mumbai skipper was a part of the One-Day Cup and the County Championships in England where he played for Leicestershire.
Rahane’s knock in Mumbai’s 1st innings in the Irani Cup is an indication of his fine form that is carrying forward from his County stint. Despite missing the last two games for Leicestershire, the batter looked in promising form in the Irani Cup tie, a sign that will be welcomed by Mumbai ahead of the start of a fresh domestic season.
