VID vs MUM, Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Semifinal: High-on-confidence Vidarbha looks to derail Rahane’s Mumbai in ‘new Maharashtra Derby’

Two titles and a second place each in the last decade. And the second consecutive knockouts faceoff in offing. No wonder then that Mumbai versus Maharashtra is passé. It’s Mumbai vs Vidarbha that’s emerged as the new Maharashtra Derby in the Ranji Trophy.

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As Akshay Wadkar’s low-profile yet high-on-confidence Vidarbha bunch takes on Ajinkya Rahane-led star-studded Mumbai in the semifinal starting on Monday at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium on the outskirts of the Orange City.

With a high that Vidarbha has enjoyed right through the season – before and after the limited-overs leg, even Rahane admitted that Vidarbha had a slight edge heading into the crucial tie, especially with the home advantage Vidarbha enjoys at Jamtha.

Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane during a practice session on the eve of the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

However, it has not played much at the primary international venue over the last two seasons. Still, the black soil strip at the stadium – prepared by curator Abhijit Piprode’s team under the watchful eyes of senior BCCI curator Taposh Chatterjee – is likely to hand advantage to the team that bats big in the first innings.

In this respect, Vidarbha will hope to stifle a shaky Mumbai top six despite the presence of Rahane and Suryakumar Yadav. With Yashasvi Jaiswal having been ruled out due to an ankle injury, an inconsistent Mumbai batting line-up has remained as fickle as ever.

Harsh Dubey has been Vidarbha’s go-to man in this Ranji season.
| Photo Credit:
EMMANUAL YOGINI/THE HINDU

If the Vidarbha bowlers – especially lead spinner Harsh Dubey – can account for the allrounder trio of Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur and Tanush Kotian, who have been Mumbai’s saviours for most of the past two seasons – then the home team can hope to get one step closer to its third title.

Jaiswal’s unavailability – who was released from the squad on Sunday – will mean Ayush Mhatre will get another opportunity. Having started the first half on an impressive note, the 17-year-old will be under the pressure of coming good in a big knockout.