Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final exit against Karnataka was marred by poor fielding, with dropped catches and a missed stumping proving costly. Shardul Thakur called it an “unwanted record,” admitting Mumbai dropped the most catches this season, including three chances of KL Rahul, who went on to score a match-winning century
Karnataka’s KL Rahul celebrates his century on Monday. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE
It’s often that catches win matches. And this is exactly why 42-time Ranji Trophy champions made a premature exit from this season’s championship in the quarter-final stage. On Monday, the fourth day of the quarter-final against eight-time champions Karnataka at the MCA-BCK ground, Mumbai floored at least two catches besides a missed stumping.
“Someone just told me that we have dropped the most number of catches this season. That’s an unwanted record. Dropping three chances of KL Rahul alone doesn’t help. A guy getting dropped thrice has scored a hundred. You should use your chances, but you should also convert half-chances. That’s when you win the championship,” a disappointed Thakur said after the day’s play.
Shardul Thakur
At the start of Day Four, Mumbai needed eight wickets, while Karnataka needed 212 more to win. Test batsman Rahul batted patiently, scoring his 24th first-class hundred (130), to stop Mumbai’s march as Karnataka defeated the hosts by four wickets.
Mumbai’s best chance to polish off Karnataka’s line-up was when Rahul, on 75, edged Shardul Thakur to the slip cordon. With Yashasvi Jaiswal ready at first slip, Siddhesh Lad dived to his left from second slip to attempt a single-handed catch, but could not hold on. Karnataka were 142-3 then, needing 183 more. Lad dropping Rahul proved the turning point, as he and left-hander Ravichandran Smaran (83 not out) added 147 for the fourth wicket in just 169 balls to end Mumbai’s season.
Karnataka’s Smaran credited Rahul for his support. “It’s always great to have Rahul at the other end. I look forward to playing many more such knocks alongside him,” said Smaran.
Brief scores
Mumbai 120 & 377 lost to karnataka 173 & 325-6 (KL Rahul 130, R Smaran 83*; S Thakur 2-55, T Deshpande 2-67, T Kotian 2-77) by four wickets
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