“I have to back my talent. It does not take time for things to change. If I continue to perform well, at some point I will get an opportunity if not today then tomorrow,” Yusuf Pathan spoke before the match.
Domestic cricket is in full swing, especially after the Ranji trophy commenced on the 9th day of December 2019. The domestic first-class tournament will feature 37 teams fighting for the prestigious title. These teams will play as per the round-robin format before entering the knockouts. Like always, newer faces and unseen talent will be a delight to watch.
The first round featured defending champions Vidharba draw a well-fought match against Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka securing a last-over win over Tamil Nadu, Haryana defeating Maharashtra by an innings and 68 runs but the most trending match was between Mumbai and Baroda where the 41-time champions crushed the home team by 309 runs.
After batting first, Mumbai posted a decent 443 run total owing to patient efforts from Ajinkya Rahana and Shams Mulani. In return, Baroda couldn’t manage anything above 307, despite Devdhar’s unbeaten 160 run knocks. Mulani again shined for Mumbai, this time by taking 6 wickets. All the drama started after Mumbai declared their second innings at 409 (Prithvi Shaw – 202) and Baroda were out to chase a mammoth 533 in their last innings.
On the fourth day when Baroda was already struggling in the chase, the umpire committed a huge error during the 48th over by asking Yusuf Pathan to leave the crease owing to a catch by Jay Bista at the short leg. Mumbai spinner Akash Parker looped a tempting delivery to which Pathan couldn’t do much but try and defend. However, the ball bounced only to hit the Baroda batsman’s chest at the fly to short leg. A huge appeal by Mumbai then pressurized the umpire to raise his finger and give an open marching order to Yusuf, who refused to leave.
Pathan seemed adamant until Ajinkya Rahane got all involved in the situation only to worsen it. The 37-year-old was then forced to walk out, shaking his head in disappointment but respecting the decision. After such a careless mistake, the umpiring standards of Ranji trophy will surely be questioned
