"Winning after 27 years feels amazing": Ajinkya Rahane

After waiting for 27 years, Mumbai got hold of the prestigious Irani Cup on Saturday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Even though the match between Mumbai and the Rest of India ended in a draw, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side won the trophy on the basis of a first-inning lead. Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed immense pride and joy after clinching the Irani Cup after 27 years.

"Special feeling, winning after 27 years feels amazing. We knew before the game we were up against a very good team," said Rahane in the post-match interview.

"We wanted to bat first as it's a red-soil wicket, we play at the Wankhede, so we know how it behaves. Every session counts in a five-day game, and everyone batted well. Sarfaraz was impressive, but I want to mention one name - Tanush, last season he was amazing and this game as well."

When asked which victory was more special, the Ranji Trophy or the Irani Cup, Rahane said, "It's equally special. This is the beginning of the season, and we wanted to take it as just a game, like a Ranji Trophy game. The plus point was that everyone played games, whether it was the Buchi Babu, KSCA, or club games, and credit goes to the support staff. Our off-season started in June." Rahane also highlighted the significance of setting the right example.

"As long as I'm playing, I want to set the right example. This trophy belongs to all the Mumbaikars, all the maidaan people, and club cricketers. I want to play the game in the right way and be truthful to the game," Rahane concluded.

Mumbai's batting-allrounder Tanush Kotian smashed his second first-class ton and helped his side win the trophy for the first time after the 1997-1998 season. Kotian started the day with just 20 runs and added 94 as Mumbai batted throughout the fifth day and declared at 450-run lead. The Rest of India agreed to end the match in a draw.

Even though ROI spinner Saransh Jain bagged six wickets but still his side couldn't bowl out Mumbai on the fifth day. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side started the final day with a 274-run lead with Kotian and Sarfaraz Khan on the crease. However, later Saransh Jain removed Sarfaraz and Shardul Thakur. Mumbai added 176 runs on the fifth day after Kotian and Mohit Avasthi (51 runs from 93 balls, 4 fours, and 1 six) cemented a solid partnership.

Ruturaj Gaikwad-led ROI tried their best to dismiss Mumbai batters from the crease but it did not help them clinch a win. Earlier on the fourth day, fine knocks from Abhimanyu Easwaran and Dhruv Jurel and a game-turning four-wicket haul by Saransh Jain helped Rest of India stay in the hunt during the Irani Cup match against Mumbai. Sarfaraz Khan was named the 'Player of the Match' after his unbeaten double-century during Mumbai's first inning. He scored 222 runs from 286 balls and smashed 25 fours and 4 sixes. (ANI)