Ajinkya Rahane may need endured a wretched run with the willow however he was the “happiest man” on the Wankhede right here on Thursday, having led Mumbai to their forty second Ranji Trophy title. Mumbai beat Vidarbha by 169 runs to assert the silverware. Rahane ended the Ranji season with a sting of failures and his 214 runs positioned him in ninth spot amongst Mumbai’s run-getters. But his well timed 73 within the second innings of the ultimate, and a 130-run stand with younger centurion Musheer Khan did put the match past Vidarbha’s attain.

“Even though I am the lowest scorer for my team, I am the happiest to lift the trophy. As a player, you will have ups and downs. It’s about creating atmosphere in dressing room and enjoy each other’s success. This is a special moment,” Rahane stated on the post-match presentation ceremony.

“Last year, we failed to qualify for the knock-outs by one run. We had to create the right culture and attitude in the team. We created a fitness culture and I would thank MCA for providing all the support,” Rahane added.

Rahane was all reward for Vidarbha’s combating effort on the fourth and fifth day of the ultimate.

“I want to appreciate Vidarbha’s fight. Chasing 538, giving up is easy but they played really well.” Player of the Match Musheer Khan and Player of the Tournament Tanush Kotian had been grateful to their skipper for his steering.

“I enjoyed batting with him,” stated Musheer, including, “During our partnership, he would very nicely explain what he wanted from me.” Kotian thanked Rahane for serving to him unlock his true batting potential which noticed him rating over 500 runs.

“Last year I got a bit more confidence in my batting and I worked hard with my father. Ajju dada (that’s how youngsters in Mumbai team address him) also helped me a lot,” Kotian stated, underlining Rahane’s contribution in making a wholesome dressing room environment.

For the retiring Dhawal Kulkarni, Rahane stated that any quantity of reward can be much less contemplating his contribution to Mumbai cricket. Dhawal has performed six finals for Mumbai and received 5 Ranji Trophy titles.

“We have played for Mumbai since our U-14 days. We toured for India U-19 (New Zealand). Whatever I say in his praise would be less. His contribution is laudable. Off- field experience sharing and not also with those not in team.”