Ranji Trophy 2024: Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian score record-breaking tons against Baroda

In the ongoing quarter-final clash against Baroda, Mumbai's bowling duo have achieved something truly out of this world. Bowling spearheads Tushar Deshpande (123) and Tanush Kotian (120*) became only the second batting pair to score a hundred while batting at no. 10 and no. 11 in first-class cricket, the first batting pair being Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee, with the pair achieving this remarkable feat in 1946 while representing India against Surrey. With this remarkable accomplishment, the "batters" have registered their names in the annals of domestic circuit.

Their centuries were significant in setting a colossal target of 606 for the visitors. Having lost nine wickets with the score being 337 in the form of deputy skipper Shams Mulani, the duo kept adding fuel to the innings, which slowly turned into a wildfire, as the Baroda bowlers seemed to be clueless against probably the weakest batting pair on paper of the 41-time champion side.

Furthermore, the duo put on 232 runs together for the last wicket. Thus, Baroda who once thought they might come to bat on Day 4 itself with a much-lesser target placed in front of them, had to wait for the final day, when they came to bat at the stroke of lunch.

Mumbai duo break pre-Independence record

Kotian led the charge, reaching his century in just 115 deliveries, guiding his innings with ten fours and four towering sixes. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 120 runs. Not to be outdone, Deshpande reached the coveted milestone in 112 deliveries, his innings comprised of ten fours and eight sixes.Their centuries propelled Mumbai to a commanding position in the match, marking significant personal milestones as both players secured their maiden tons in the format.

This historic achievement by Kotian and Deshpande placed them in esteemed company, joining the ranks of Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee as the only other pair in First-Class history to achieve centuries as No. 10 and No. 11 batters in the same innings. Notably. Sarwate (124*) and Banerjee (127) achieved the feat in a game between Surrey and the Indians at The Oval, London back in 1946, when India was still under colonial rule.

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Furthermore, Deshpande's innings saw him surpass previous records, including the highest score by an Indian No. 11 batsman in First-Class cricket. Despite eventually being dismissed for 123, the CSK pacer's contribution alongside Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai's commanding total of 569 runs in their second innings.

Baroda requires 606 runs to win and qualify for the next round. Practically, the target seems unachievable, and an end to their Ranji campaign is now inevitable, since Mumbai will be awarded the match on the basis of first-innings lead in the case of a draw.

Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha have already acquired their positions in the semi-finals of the tournament by defeating Saurashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka respectively. 

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