Mumbai/Nagpur (Maharashtra): There will be a firm focus on star batter Shreyas Iyer, who was excluded from BCCI's central contract list when the 41-time champions Mumbai take on an equally strong Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy semifinal starting in Mumbai on Saturday.
The two high-profile clashes are promising an intense battle in the premier domestic tournament. The stage is set for the Ranji Trophy semi-finals as Mumbai gears up to face Tamil Nadu at the BKC Ground in Mumbai, while Vidarbha prepares to host Madhya Pradesh at the VCA Stadium, Civil Lines in Nagpur.
Mumbai has a chillingly efficient success rate in the coveted Ranji Trophy, winning 41 titles along with six runner-up finishes. The hosts have secured a place in the second semi-final, thanks to Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande who made headlines by becoming the first pair to score centuries since 1946 at number 10 and 11 batting positions respectively. They forged a 232-run partnership for the last wicket against Baroda, helping their side seal the deal and enter the last four stages by virtue of a first-innings lead.
They have also strengthened their side, naming prolific India batter Shreyas Iyer in the squad for the upcoming clash. He joined the domestic side after losing his central contract from the latest remuneration announced by the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) after repeatedly ignoring the selectors warning to play domestic cricket and didn't take part in Ranji trophy quarter-final clash against Baroda last week due to back spasms.
Ajinkya Rahane-led side will also get services from Musheer Khan, who replaced his brother Sarfaraz Khan in the squad. Musheer had a terrific last game, scoring his maiden double century of the Ranji Trophy against Baroda in the quarterfinals.
Apart from this, Mumbai will also get assistance from Prithvi Shaw, who announced his comeback to competitive cricket by smashing a quickfire century -101 not out off 107 balls which included 13 fours and two sixes - before lunch on the opening day against Chhattisgarh.
Their upcoming challenge awaits in the form of another domestic powerhouse Tamil Nadu, who eliminated defending champions Saurashtra in the quarterfinals with a dominant performance. Led by the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, R Sai Kishore's impressive figures of 9 for 93, they inked a victory by an innings and 33 runs. They also have some prominent faces in their squad including Vijay Shankar, Narayan Jagadeesan, and Baba Indrajith, who have the ability to turn the game on its head. The team will be eyeing to upset Mumbai’s hopes to move into the finals and clinch their record 42nd Ranji Trophy Title.
Meanwhile, Vidarbha moved into the semifinals with a comprehensive 127-run victory over domestic giants Karnataka, showcasing their prowess on the field. The Akshay Wadkar and Co. can prove to be dangerous opponents as they have proven match-winners like batters Karun Nair, and Atharva Taide, and pacers Umesh Yadav and Yash Thakur.