'I think we were not up to the mark as a team' - Ajinkya Rahane after loss against J&K in Ranji Trophy

Team Mumbai's dismal show continued in the sixth-round game of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 against Jammu and Kashmir where they suffered a disappointing five-wicket defeat against them. Notably, their batters had failed in the game as they struggled against the J&K bowlers during the entire game. 

The star-studded Mumbai top order which featured the likes of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shreyas Iyer, got out cheaply in both innings. Known for their easy batting against the pacers, struggled against the spirited speedsters of J&K, who were the real heroes for the team. After their recent loss, Mumbai Captain Rahane also opened up on what went wrong in the match. Moreover, he also admitted to having misread the playing conditions while praising Kashmiri bowlers for showing great consistency and bowling long spells during the game. 

“When we saw the wicket [before the match], it looked really dry, Comparatively, the games which we played here previously, this was the driest wicket. We thought three spinners will be the best option. I thought in the second innings the third spinner will come handy. We thought it would turn from day two, but it didn't. It's fine. I think we were not up to the mark as a team, as a unit and as I said, you know they challenged us and they played really well, so they deserved to win,” Rahane was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: JKCA lodge complaint with BCCI over poor umpiring during Mumbai fixture

“I'm happy to see their fast bowlers running hard, bowling in the right areas for a consistent period of time, they're eager to do well for their team. I thought most of them bowled 8-10 over spells and that needs courage and good fitness. So really happy for them, the way they bowled, the way they showed their character. It's a really good thing,” he added.  

Charak was standout performer with ball in Ranji clash

Meanwhile, speaking of the 'Player of the Match' in the sixth-round match, it was the rising bowler of Jammu and Kashmir, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Notably, the right-arm medium fast pacer, took 4/31 in the first innings and 3/64 in the second ending up with seven wickets in the game and proving why he is one of the upcoming stars from the J&K team.