look news india
Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, who flopped in the first innings of the Ranji Trophy final for Mumbai, have got the support of teammate Shardul Thakur. Thakur is confident that these top players will return to form soon. Rahane and Iyer scored 7 runs each in the first innings of the final match being played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Whereas Thakur played an inning of 75 runs and took Mumbai to the score of 224 runs. After this, while bowling, Thakur also took the first wicket of Vidarbha. Furthermore, Dhawal Kulkarni took two wickets, leaving Vidarbha in a difficult position at 31/3.
Shardul supported Iyer-Rahane
Thakur said after the first day's play, “Ajinkya has not scored runs in the entire season. He is not in great form. We can't blame them as this is a difficult time for them. I would say the same about Shreyas and Ajinkya. These guys have been match winners for Mumbai and India. Right now, they are having a hard time supporting him instead of criticizing him because it is easy to criticize.
Rahane has so far scored just 141 runs in eight Ranji matches at an average of 12.81 with one half-century. Iyer has not played consistently for Mumbai this season, but his return to domestic cricket has not been impressive either. He has scored 58 runs in three matches at an average of 19.33.
Iyer-Rahane role model
Thakur said, “Ajinkya has not scored runs but his fielding approach is top notch. The attitude of many youngsters coming from Under-23 and Under-19 cricket in Mumbai is not like his. You will see him in the slips, even if he is fielded for 80 overs, he will run fast to save four runs. Shreyas roams on the field like a lion. “They are both role models when they are in the dressing room.” Defending his teammates, Thakur expressed his displeasure at some of the young batsmen not taking advantage of their opportunities in important matches like the Ranji final.
Thakur became emotional in Dhawal Kulkarni's last match
Regarding Kulkarni, who retired after the final, Thakur said it was an emotional moment to watch his old teammate play for Mumbai for the last time. Thakur said, “It was confirmed this morning that he is playing. This was his last match. This was a very emotional moment for him. It is an emotional moment for me too because I have seen it since my childhood. When I had no money to buy shoes, he gave me a few pairs of shoes.