Cricket

Tamil Nadu's decision to bat first in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Mumbai backfired spectacularly, as they suffered a humiliating innings defeat. Skipper R. Sai Kishore defended his choice, citing his instincts and past success with the strategy. However, coach Sulakshan Kulkarni strongly criticized the decision, stating that the team should have bowled first on a seamer-friendly pitch.Kulkarni pointed out that Tamil Nadu had planned to field three seamers and drop a batter if they won the toss. He believed that bowling first would have given them an advantage, but Sai Kishore's decision to bat first proved costly.Despite Sai Kishore's six wickets, the lack of support from other bowlers and the batters' inability to adapt to the conditions led to Tamil Nadu's downfall. Kulkarni acknowledged that Sai Kishore was the team's best bowler, but he felt that left-arm spinner S. Ajith Ram was underutilized.Despite the disappointment, Kulkarni praised the team's efforts this season, highlighting the performances of batters who scored over 500 runs and Indrajith's crucial knocks. He expressed satisfaction with reaching the semifinals but acknowledged that a trophy would have been the ultimate goal.

Shardul Thakur's scintillating century and Tanush Kotian's unbeaten half-century propelled Mumbai to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Thakur's counterattacking 109, featuring 13 fours and four sixes, rescued Mumbai from a precarious 106 for seven.Sai Kishore's six-wicket haul had threatened to derail Mumbai's innings, but Thakur's onslaught turned the tide. He forged crucial partnerships with Hardik Tamore (35) and Kotian (74 not out), adding 105 and 79 runs respectively.Thakur's innings was a masterclass in aggression and adaptability. He pierced gaps with precision and cleared the field with disdain, bringing up his maiden century across formats. Despite an ankle injury, he continued to torment the Tamil Nadu bowlers.Kotian, who had played a pivotal role in Mumbai's previous match with a 232-run stand for the 10th wicket, continued his impressive form. He played like a specialist batter, cracking 10 fours in his unbeaten 74.Mumbai's tailenders once again played a crucial role, with Tushar Deshpande (17 not out) joining Kotian to add an unbeaten 63 runs for the 10th wicket. This rearguard action gave Mumbai a massive 207-run first-innings lead.Sai Kishore's impressive bowling performance was overshadowed by Thakur's heroics. The Tamil Nadu skipper opened the bowling in conditions favoring seamers and delivered a superb spell of 17-6-28-4 in the first session. He also dismissed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer.Despite the setback, Mumbai's young opener Musheer (55) showed maturity and resilience. However, a lapse in concentration led to his dismissal, leaving Thakur to take charge of the innings.

Tamil Nadu's R Sai Kishore has etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history by becoming only the third bowler from his state to claim 50 wickets in a single season. The left-arm spinner achieved this remarkable feat during the semifinal clash against Mumbai at the BKC Ground on Sunday.Sai Kishore's exceptional performance came on the back of a sterling five-wicket haul that dismantled the Mumbai middle-order on Day Two of the semifinal encounter. Despite Tamil Nadu enduring a batting collapse on the opening day, Sai Kishore's inspired bowling performance turned the tide in his team's favor.The 27-year-old spinner's pivotal role in the match was evident from the outset, as he swiftly made inroads into the Mumbai batting lineup. Trapping opener Bhupen Lalwani leg-before, Sai Kishore set the tone for his dominant display with the ball. His relentless pressure continued in the opening session, culminating in the dismissal of night-watchman Mohit Avasthi.The defining moment of Sai Kishore's spell arrived when he accounted for the prized wicket of Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane, inducing an outside-edge that was pouched by the slip fielder. Sai Kishore capped off his virtuoso performance by claiming successive scalps in the 48th over, dismissing the well-set Musheer Khan and then dismantling Shams Mulani's stumps with a vicious delivery that spun sharply.Sai Kishore's sensational form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season has been nothing short of remarkable. With at least four wickets in each of his last four innings, including a stellar nine-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Saurashtra, the left-arm spinner has emerged as a potent force in Tamil Nadu's bowling arsenal.By joining the esteemed company of legendary spinners S Venkataraghavan and Aashish Kapoor, Sai Kishore has solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in domestic cricket. His 10th First-Class five-for across 39 matches underscores his consistency and impact on the field.With six four-wicket hauls and three five-fors in the ongoing Ranji season, Sai Kishore's stellar performances exemplify his unwavering commitment to excellence and his invaluable contributions to Tamil Nadu's quest for glory in the prestigious tournament.

Shreyas Iyer Disappoints in Ranji Trophy Semifinal as Tamil Nadu Fights BackOut-of-favor India batter Shreyas Iyer's return to domestic cricket proved underwhelming as he failed to make an impact in the Ranji Trophy semifinal match between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu. Representing Mumbai, Iyer was dismissed for a mere 3 runs by Tamil Nadu pacer Sandeep Warrier in the first innings.Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, had a promising start, with Rahane and Musheer Khan putting on a 43-run partnership. However, Iyer's dismissal, followed by the fall of Rahane, left Mumbai reeling at 96/5.Tamil Nadu skipper B Sai Kishore led the charge with the ball, claiming five wickets for 31 runs in 20 overs. Mumbai struggled at 125/7 at lunch on the second day, but managed to reduce the first-innings deficit to just 21 runs by the end of the first session.Iyer's poor performance was a disappointment, as he had hoped to impress on his return to domestic cricket after failing to secure a BCCI central contract. Unfortunately, he failed to deliver in the first innings.Tamil Nadu's remarkable comeback put Mumbai under pressure after a dismal opening day, where they were bowled out for just 146. The visitors' resurgence was led by Sai Kishore's five-wicket haul and a disciplined bowling performance.

Tamil Nadu's Poor First Session Puts Mumbai in Control of Ranji Trophy ClashIn a crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, Tamil Nadu's decision to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at the Brabourne Stadium backfired spectacularly, leaving them in a precarious position. Mumbai's pacers exploited the conditions to their advantage, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146 in just 90 minutes.Tamil Nadu skipper R. Sai Kishore's decision to bat first raised eyebrows, with Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat questioning the logic on social media. Former cricketer Vijay Dhaiya, who conducted the toss, described it as a "brave call," but Sai Kishore defended his decision, stating that he was unsure of the wicket's behavior.Mumbai's pacers, led by Tushar Deshpande, made the most of the overcast conditions and the pitch's assistance for pace bowlers. Deshpande expressed surprise at Tamil Nadu's decision, acknowledging the favorable conditions for seamers in the first session.Tamil Nadu's bowling attack, which included the inclusion of pacer Kuldeep Sen, failed to capitalize on the crucial toss win. Instead, Ajinkya Rahane's Mumbai team now has the advantage of batting in the best conditions, putting them in a strong position to take control of the match.

Mumbai's bowlers, led by Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur, dominated the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146.Deshpande (3/24) and Thakur (2/48) exploited the movement and turn on offer at the BKC Ground, making life miserable for the Tamil Nadu batters. B Sai Sudharsan was trapped leg-before on the fourth ball of the match, setting the tone for a disastrous start for the visitors.Mohit Avasthi had N Jagadeesan caught at short leg, while Deshpande took a fine return catch to dismiss Pradosh Ranjan Paul. Tamil Nadu skipper B Sai Kishore promoted himself ahead of Baba Indrajith, but his footwork was all over the place as Deshpande bowled him for 17.Tanush Kotian took a sharp diving catch to remove Indrajith, leaving Tamil Nadu reeling at 17/4. Vijay Shankar and Washington Sundar fought back with a 67-run partnership, but Deshpande's relentless pressure led to Shankar's dismissal for 44.Sundar, who was dropped twice, showed some resistance with a 43-ball 43, but Mohammed Mohammed's late flurry of fours helped Tamil Nadu reach 146.Mumbai lost Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani cheaply, but Musheer Khan (24 not out) and nightwatchman Mohit Avasthi (1 not out) guided the hosts to 45/2 at stumps, trailing by 101 runs.

Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane has expressed confidence in Shreyas Iyer's ability to perform in the upcoming Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu, despite the batter's recent struggles. Rahane believes Iyer's experience and contributions to Mumbai make him a valuable asset to the team."We all know he is an experienced player. His contribution for Mumbai has been amazing. Whenever he stands up for Mumbai, he has done really well, so I don't think he needs any encouragement or any advice," Rahane said.Iyer will be eager to help Mumbai reach the final, especially against a Tamil Nadu team that includes his India teammate R. Sai Kishore. Kishore is delighted to have B. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar back in the squad, as their experience and talent will boost the team's chances."Those two have worked hard in domestic and have gone there, they realize how important it is to show up here. We have played together for so many years and happy that they are in the team," Kishore said.Former Mumbai stalwart Sulakshan Kulkarni, who is now the Tamil Nadu head coach, believes his intimate knowledge of Mumbai cricket will give his team an advantage."I have told my squad that Mumbai cricket is on my fingertips. I know each and every (player's) positives and negatives," Kulkarni said.However, Mumbai head coach Omkar Salvi, who also learned the basics at Kulkarni's clinic, emphasized that proximity will not affect the team's focus during the semifinal."I have fond memories of playing under him in under-19. But, right now he is in the opposition dressing room. We will maintain distance for the next five days," Rahane said.

The Ranji Trophy semifinals are set to ignite with a tantalizing clash between Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, two cricketing powerhouses with a rich history. While the absence of star players has garnered attention, the presence of several notable figures has elevated the anticipation for this marquee matchup.Tamil Nadu, after a sluggish start to the season, has found its rhythm and received a significant boost with the addition of B. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar. Sai Sudharsan, who recently completed rehabilitation for a back injury, joined the squad on Thursday, while Sundar arrived after being released from India's Test squad. The duo engaged in an extensive training session on Friday morning.Mumbai, on the other hand, also had a lengthy practice session. Shreyas Iyer, who missed the quarterfinal against Baroda and was omitted from the BCCI's central contracts list, will be under scrutiny. The aggressive batter had a lengthy batting stint in the nets on Thursday but took it easy on Friday. Iyer will replace Suryansh Shedge in the Mumbai lineup.Mumbai may consider bringing in wicketkeeper Prasad Pawar for opener Bhupen Lalwani. Hardik Tamore, despite his impressive batting performance in the quarterfinal, struggled behind the stumps, prompting Mumbai to consider bolstering its depth.Tamil Nadu, besides the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Sundar, may also field pacer Kuldeep Sen in place of M. Mohammed. The green-looking surface at the Bandra-Kurla Complex facility could favor Sen's pace, complementing captain R. Sai Kishore's skillful left-arm spin.