Mumbaikers bag Irani Cup award scripted by Sarfaraz Khan, Tanush Kotian

Ajinkya Rahane might not be in the Indian team as their Test vice-captain. However, the veteran is having a streak of success as his leadership stint with Mumbai saw the addition of yet another feather to the illustrious cap, as the defending Ranji champions toppled Ruturaj Gaikwad's Rest of India completely to assert domestic dominance.

The fifth and final day of the Irani Cup 2024-25 saw Mumbai's lower-order batters Tanush Kotian and Mohit Avasthi keep the ROI bowlers dancing to their tunes, as Kotian notched up a terrific ton, while the latter too had an important half-century as well. Having gained a massive three-digit lead in the first innings, Mumbai decided to declare at 329 for 8, and both the captain shook hands, forcing a drawn match.

However, the first innings advantage meant that Mumbai were awarded the game as per the general playing conditions. This trophy means a lot to the side, as it marked their first-ever trophy since 1997, which was under the captaincy of former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar. This time round, Rahane was the skipper who led Mumbai, but the script of this action cinema was directed by Kotian (64, 114* and 3/101) and Sarfaraz Khan, who also scored an unbeaten 222 in the first innings, batting for over a day and half.

“I follow the process well and came into the tournament with practice. I worked hard with my father during practice. You build up experience by playing in different grounds. You get knowledge on how to play on different pitches. I have a lot to learn by being around the Test team and can improve every facet of my game. This trophy belongs to every cricketer in Mumbai,” Sarfaraz said during the post-match presentation party.

Had an idea of the red-soil play in Lucknow: Rahane

Initially, the prestigious trophy event was planned to be held at Mumbai's home ground Wankhede Stadium. However, due to technical challenges, the iconic venue got replaced by Lucknow's Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Coincidentally, Ekana also has a red-soil wicket like Mumbai, and that, according to their skipper, had the team accustomed to the kind of surface they've played for the majority of their games.

“Winning the trophy after 27 years feel amazing. It was a red soil wicket. Playing at Wankhede on a red soil wickets made us know how the wicket will behave. I would like to pick Tanush Kotian for his performances in the previous season and this match. Players have kept themselves ready by playing in various tournaments. The Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup belongs to everyone playing in Mumbai — the maidan cricketers and everyone playing cricket in Mumbai,” winning captain Rahane, who also scored 97 in the first innings, told after the match.

Definitely, says Ruturaj Gaikwad

"Definitely (on electing to bowl first). We got three wickets in the first session. The partnership between Sarfaraz and Tanush Kotian took them to extend the game a little bit, and then Shardul Thakur walking in and adding those runs with Sarfaraz … those two partnerships were crucial, adding to the frustration to us. Abhimanyu Easwaran played well. Dhruv (Jurel) batted well. Our lower order didn't play as good as theirs. Saransh Jain bowled well in the second innings," mentioned ROI skipper Gaikwad.