Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Rohit, Jaiswal struggle before bowlers bring Mumbai back into contest against J & K on Day 1

Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Rohit, Jaiswal struggle before bowlers bring Mumbai back into contest against J & K on Day 1

A rare batting failure let down a star-studded Mumbai as it failed to capitalise on the home advantage and conceded a crucial 54-run lead in the first innings against Jammu and Kashmir at the MCA-BKC ground on Thursday.

All eyes were on India captain Rohit Sharma, who returned to domestic cricket after nearly a decade, but he lasted barely half an hour before mistiming a pull shot off Umar Nazir and offering a regulation chance to captain Paras Dogra, who moved swiftly from mid-off to short cover to complete the catch.

Mumbai’s decision to bat first backfired as it was bundled out for 120 after visiting fast bowlers Nazir (4/41) and Yudhvir Singh (4/31) made the most of the early morning conditions.

In a crucial Ranji Trophy Elite Group A fixture, Mumbai dropped Ayush Mhatre, its promising opener and the highest run scorer of the red-ball season, to accommodate Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal but both faltered.

While Auqib Nabi drew the first blood, trapping Jaiswal leg-before inside the first three overs of the day, Nazir and Yudhvir tightened the noose with regular wickets.

Despite having stars in its ranks – including Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube – Mumbai was struggling at 47 for 7 at one stage, before Shardul Thakur (51, 57b, 5×4, 2×6) and Tanush Kotian forged a 63-run stand for the eighth wicket.

Shardul made his presence felt with a few boundaries as the surface eased out, while Kotian anchored the innings before Nabi broke the momentum, dismissing the latter.

By the end of the day’s play, Mumbai somewhat managed to crawl back into the game as J&K was at 174 for 7, despite a fifty by Shubham Khajuria. Making use of an early reprieve, Khajuria ensured a smooth sailing for J&K before seasoned spinner Shams Mulani cleaned him up and triggered a middle-order collapse.

Pacer Mohit Avasthi claimed three wickets before captain Dogra and Abid Mushtaq helped the visitor take the lead. Even though Mushtaq fell at the fag end, Dogra stood firm and ensured there weren’t further slip-ups.