Arbit Stats #51

Ranji Trophy 2015-16 Final, Mumbai vs Saurashtra

Mumbai coasted to their 41st title in the 82nd edition of the Trophy. With more than 20 odd teams participating every year (current count 27 which will go up to 28 next year), that is some dominance.

This was Mumbai's 45th final appearance. However for the first time ever, they did not have any Test players in their playing XI in the Ranji final. Very surprising given the team's pedigree.

With the likes of Rahane and Rohit Sharma on India duty and Wasim Jaffer having switched to Vidarbha, the only internationals were Dhawal Kulkarni and Abhishek Nayar. Given his form, Shreyas Iyer would soon join this list.

Ranji Trophy 13-14: Jharkhand vs Delhi

Match Summary: Abandoned without a ball bowled due to rains.

Points: Jharkhand 1, Delhi 1

There is nothing to write about as the game was washed away due to rains on all 4 days. Both teams had to be satisfied with a single point each. Jharkhand lost a chance to make the most of their home game. However the biggest losers were the likes of Gambhir & Sehwag who missed out on a opportunity to stake their claim for the home West Indies series. As did the comeback lad Varun Aaron who would have been in contention for the South Africa series but needs a few games under his belt to show his match fitness and form.

However the focus of the first round of Ranji games was in Lahli where Sachin Tendulkar was playing his last Ranji game. The man's sheer presence livened up what would have been a dull (read normal) game. Never before has a Ranji league match been followed like this. Lahli was the centre of attention for 4 days and Sachin livened it up further by guiding Mumbai to victory. Goodbye Sir - You would be MISSED.

Fun Fact - The day Sachin made his first class debut was the day his last partner in Ranji Trophy Dhawal Kulkarni was born. The complete circle of life as one may say.

Now back to Jharkhand. Coming Up Next - Karnataka away