In a significant development for Indian cricket, the national team has called up Tanush Kotian, a promising 26-year-old off-spinner, to replace the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Ashwin’s recent retirement after the Brisbane Test has left a notable gap in the squad, and Kotian’s inclusion marks a new chapter in his burgeoning career.

Early beginnings of Tanush Kotian

Born on October 16, 1998, Kotian hails from Udupi district in Karnataka but made his mark in Mumbai’s cricketing landscape. His cricketing journey began in age-group competitions, where he represented India in the Under-19 Asia Cup in 2017. Although he missed out on the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup, his performances in domestic tournaments soon caught the attention of selectors, leading to his debut for Mumbai in first-class cricket during the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season.

Domestic success of rising star from Mumbai

Kotian’s domestic career has been nothing short of impressive. Since his debut, he has taken 101 wickets at an average of 25.70 across 33 first-class matches while scoring 1,525 runs, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries. His standout performance came during the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, where he was instrumental in Mumbai’s title win, finishing as the Player of the Tournament with 29 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.96, along with 502 runs at an average of 41.83.

Also READ: BCCI announces Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement for the remaining two Tests against Australia

Bowling and batting prowess of the all-rounder

Kotian is not just a bowler; he is a versatile all-rounder. His right-arm off-spin bowling complements his lower-order batting skills effectively. In addition to his contributions with the ball, he has shown resilience and capability with the bat, making him a valuable asset for any team. His ability to contribute significantly in both departments makes him a perfect fit as Ashwin’s replacement.

Recent achievements of Kotian

In addition to his domestic success, Kotian has also represented India A, where he showcased his talent during a tour of Australia. He impressed with both bat and ball, scoring 44 runs and taking a wicket against Australia A at the Melbourne Cric?ket Ground. This experience will undoubtedly serve him well as he steps onto the international stage.

Replacing a player of Ashwin’s caliber is no small feat. With 537 Test wickets, Ashwin has been a cornerstone of India’s bowling attack for over a decade. However, Kotian’s inclusion reflects India’s commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing for future challenges. His recent form suggests that he is ready to embrace this opportunity and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin’s wife: 10 lesser-known??? facts about Prithi Narayanan

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In a dazzling display of batting prowess, Shreyas Iyer spearheaded Mumbai‘s campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 with a century that has left fans and critics alike in awe. Playing against Karnataka in the tournament’s opening match, Iyer’s knock was not just about the runs; it was a statement, reinforcing his claim for a spot in India’s upcoming international fixtures.

Shreyas Iyer lights up Vijay Hazare Trophy

The match took place at Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground in Ahmedabad, ??where Mumbai faced off against Karnataka in what was anticipated to be a high-scoring affair. Mumbai, batting first, capitalized on the batt??ing-friendly pitch, posting a formidable total of 382/4 in their 50 overs. Iyer, leading from the front, was the star of the innings, scoring an unbeaten 114 runs off just 55 deliveries.

Iyer’s innings was characterized by his aggressive intent right from the start. He dispatched the Karnataka bowlers with disdain, particularly in the latter part of his innings, where he accelerated to take the score past the 350-run mark. His century included a remarkable sequence of sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate the bowling attack. He smashed 5 fours and 10 sixes during his whirlwind knock.

Also READ: ?Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer makes a bold remark on Prithvi Shaw’s struggles with form and fitness

A tremendous year for Iyer

This century marks another feather in Iyer’s cap in what has been a stellar 2024 for him. Having already led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to an IPL title earlier in the year and Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Iyer’s performances across formats have been consistent and impactful.

Here is how fans reacted:

HUNDRED BY SHREYAS IYER. 🙇‍♂�?/p>

– A century in just 51 balls with 5 fours and 9 sixes by Iyer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. A classic Iyer show at the Narendra Modi Stadium. �?pic.twitter.com/WiwaVLXiQk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 21, 2024

??CAPTAIN SH??REYAS IYER MADNESS IN VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY 🌟

– Captain Shreyas smashed 114* runs from just 55 balls including 5 fours & 10 sixes against Karnataka. What a player, great news for Team India in 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/DfO24W6RvJ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer in 2024:

– Won IPL Trophy as Captain.
– Won SMAT as Captain.
– Won Ranji & Irani Cup as well.
– Fifty in IPL 2024 Qualifier 1.
– 6*(3) in IPL 2024 Final.
– Hundred in Ranji Trophy.
– Hundred in SMAT.
– Hundred in Vijay Hazare.

– WHAT A YEAR FOR SHREYAS IYER. 🌟🙇 pic.twitter.com/Oi5tnMVALq

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 21, 2024

Hundred for Shreyas Iyer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy opener against Karnataka in Ahmedabad. Has taken just 50 balls for it and has been particularly severe against the short ball. @sportstarweb #VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/hkbus4R8ck

— Anish Pathiyil (@Anishpathiyil) December 21, 2024

WELL PLAYER #ShreyasIyer 🔥

HUNDRED BY SHREYAS IYER 🙇‍♂�?/p>

A blistering 51-ball century with 5 fours and 9 sixes by Iyer in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium. A classic knock! �?pic.twitter.com/hKFm5W0ZDS

— Pradeep Tiwari (@tpradeep113) December 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer in 2024:

Ranji: 5 inns 452 runs 90 avg 88 SR
SMAT: 8 inns 345 runs 50 avg 189 SR
VHT: 114(55) in 1 inns 207 SR

look at those SRs brev🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/4oza9GKWQA

— praneeth? (@EthanHUNT_41) December 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer smashed 💯 in Vijay Hazare trophy just 55 balls #ShreyasIyer #Punjabking pic.twitter.com/lBYO786E5t

— Ajay Baghel (@AjayBaghel77072) December 21, 2024

//twitter.com/PJMishra1?21110/status/1870392443851694412

HUNDRED FOR SHREYAS IYER…!!!!!

– Hundred from just 50 balls against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Captain leading Mumbai by an example in all formats.

Great news for Team India in Champions Trophy 🇮🇳#ShreyasIyer #ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/Mng5XSls9f

— Vandana Gaur (@vandanayash2021) December 21, 2024

HUNDRED FOR SHREYAS IYER…!!!!!

– Hundred from just 50 balls against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Captain leading Mumbai by an example in all formats.

Great news for Team India in Champions Trophy 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/KDV9W2nV8J

— ꪖꪀડꪖ𝕣 ꪖꪶ�?𝕜ꫝꪖꪀ (@AnsarAlikhan_18) December 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer Smashed Hundred in Vijay Hazare Trophy against Karnataka
-Scored 114* off 55 balls
-Hit 10 Sixes & 5 Fours#VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/Uz1bXbEpsj

— Rohit Baliyan (@rohit_balyan) December 21, 2024

Shreyas Iyer…,🔥🔥🔥
Hundred from just 50 balls against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy…#ShreyasIyer#VijayHazareTrophy pic.twitter.com/5r2sdC5aBV

— Mann Kataria (@Mannkataria89) December 21, 2024

IYER SHOW IN VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY..!!! 🔥

Shreyas Iyer leads from the front in Mumbai's first Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Karnataka. He has hit a 55-ball 114 including 10 sixes! pic.twitter.com/7fuc3Fwq1S

— Lorris (@lorris03) December 21, 2024

Eye on the Champions Trophy 2025

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Iyer’s performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is crucial. His ability to play match-winning knocks under pressure has always been his forte, and this innings will surely catch the eye of the Indian selectors looking for reliable middle-order batters. His knack for anchoring innings while maintaining a high strike rate makes him an invaluable asset to the Indian team.

Also READ: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 Schedule: Date, Match Ti?me, Broadcast and Live St?reaming details

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The Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier domestic one-day cricket tournament, is set to kick off on December 21, 2024. The tournament will witness intense competition among 38 teams as they battle for the coveted title.

Tamil Nadu are the most successful team in the tournament’s history with five titles, while Haryana are the reigning champions.

The grand finale of the? 2024-25 sea?son will take place on January 18.

Groups for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

• Group A: Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Jharkhand, Goa, Manipur, Assam
• Group B: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Services, Railways, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim
• Group C: Karnataka, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Saurashtra, Punjab, Pondicherry, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
• Group D: Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram
• Group E: Bengal, Karnataka, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Baroda, Bihar

Also READ: UP announces a? strong squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25;?? Rinku Singh named captain

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Fixtures

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Fans in India can watch all the live action of all matches on TV via Sports18. For live streaming, they can tune in to the JioCinema app or visit the website at jiocinema.com.

Also READ: Sanju Samson excluded from Vijay Hazare Trophy squad for Kerala following dis?ciplinary concerns

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Prithvi Shaw‘s recent exclusion from Mumbai‘s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 has sparked significant discussion in the cricketing community. Once hailed as a prodigious talent, Shaw’s inconsistent performances and fitness issues have led to a series of setbacks, culminating in his omission from this crucial tournament.

Prithvi Shaw’s decline in stars finds no end

Shaw’s journey in cricket has been marked by both brilliance and disappointment. The 25-year-old opener was recently part of Mumbai’s victorious campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, where he contributed to the team’s success but failed to make a significant impact with the bat. In nine innings, he managed only 197 runs, with no half-centuries to his name, including a disappointing performance in the final against Madhya Pradesh where he scored just 10 runs. Despite showing flashes of his explosive batting style, Shaw’s inability to convert starts into substantial scores has raised concerns about his form.

Shaw’s relationship with Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer adds another layer to this narrative. After the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory, Iyer praised Shaw’s talent but emphasized the need for improvement in his work ethic and fitness. He remarked that while Shaw is undoubtedly gifted, he cannot be “babysat” and must take responsibility for his own performance and development. This candid assessment reflects a growing frustration within the team regarding Shaw’s commitment, as he has faced scrutiny for his lifestyle choices and lack of discipline.

Also READ: Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer makes a bold remark on Prithvi Shaw’s struggles wi??th form and fitness

The impact of this exclusion on Shaw

The decision to drop Shaw from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad is a significant blow to his career aspirations. This exclusion not only raises questions about his current form but also highlights ongoing concerns regarding his fitness and discipline. Previously, he had been left out of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad due to similar issues, marking a troubling trend ??in his professional life. With the tournament set to begin on December 21, 2024, Shaw will miss at least the first three matches, further limiting his opportunities to prove himself on the domestic stage.

Shaw’s recent performances have led many to speculate about his future in cricket. His failure to secure a contract during the IPL 2025 mega auction only adds to this uncertainty, suggesting that franchises are wary of investing in a player whose potential remains unfulfilled. However, there is still hope that with introspection and hard work, he can reclaim his position as one of India’s most promising talents.

Mumbai’s squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25

Shreyas Iyer (c), Vinayak Bhoir, A??yush Mahtre, Angriksh Raghuvanshi, Jay Bista, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Siddhesh Lad, Hardik Tamore, Prasad Pawar, Atharva Ankolekar, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, Royston Dias, Juned Khan, Harsh Tanna

Also READ: IPL 2025: 5 KKR players?? who made an strong impact in Syed ?Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

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Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as the future of Indian cricket, finds himself at a crossroads in his career. Touted as a child prodigy, Shaw’s early exploits, including leading India to victory in the U19 World Cup and a scintillating Test debut, showcased his immense potential.  However, his decline has been swift, leaving many to wonder if his career can be salvaged. While his talent remains und??eniable, issues with fitness, off-field controversies, and inconsistent performances have significantly dented his reputation.

Prithvi Shaw’s domestic woes and IPL 2025 auction snub

Shaw’s domestic season in 2024 failed to inspire confidence, as he managed only 59 runs in four Ranji Trophy 2024-25 matches. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance was equally disap??pointing, with 197 runs across nine matches at an average of 21.88, failing to register a single half-century. Barring a 26-ball 49 in the quarterfinal, his contributions were largely forgettable, even as Mumbai clinched the title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction further underscored?? his declining stature in Indian cricket, as no franchise sh??owed interest in acquiring him. For a player once seen as a future Indian captain, this downfall serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sport and the price of neglecting discipline and consistency.

Shreyas Iyer’s blunt remark

Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer, a teammate of Shaw and the second-most expensive player in the IPL 2025 auction, weighed in on Shaw’s predicament with a mix of admiration and critique. Iyer described Shaw as “God-gifted,” emphasizing that his talent is unmatched, but talent without the right attitude and effort holds no value in the long term. According to Iyer, Shaw’s work ethic remains a major concern, and despite repeated advice from peers and coaches, he has struggled to adopt a professional mindset.

“I think, personally, he is a God-gifted player. The amount of talent he possesses as an individual, no one has it. That’s true. It’s just that he needs to improve his work ethics,” Iyer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Iyer highlighted that Shaw’s issues are not new and that the batt??er has managed to overcome challenges in the past. However, he f??irmly stated that it is Shaw’s responsibility to take charge of his career, as no amount of external guidance can replace self-motivation and discipline.

“And I have said it before as well in many of the interviews. He needs to get his work ethics right. And if he does that, you know, sky is the limit for him. Can you force him to? I can’t force him. He has played so much of cricket. And everyone has given him inputs. At the end of the day, it’s his job to go out there and figure out things for himself,” the 30-year-old added.

Also READ: Best playing XI of unsold players from the ?IPL 2025 meg??a auction ft. Prithvi Shaw

Iyer’s hard-hitting reality check

Iyer’s comments about Shaw struck a chord with cricketing circles, as he bluntly stated that professionals at the highest level need to take ownership of their careers. “We can’t babysit anyone,” Iyer remarked, pointi?ng out that Shaw must independently figure out the solution?s to his struggles. Iyer acknowledged Shaw’s past successes but stressed that continuous effort is key to sustaining success in modern cricket. He noted that Shaw has received ample advice and guidance from teammates and coaches but ultimately must step up and resolve his issues.

“We can’t babysit anyone, right? Every professional who is playing at this level, they need to know what they should be doing. And he has also done it in the past. It’s not that he hasn’t. He has to focus. He has to sit back, put a thinking cap on and then figure out himself. He will get the answer. No one can force him to do anything,” Iyer concluded.

Can Shaw revive his career?

Shaw is now at a critical juncture where his career could either take a turn for the better or spiral further downward. Despite his struggles, Shaw still has age on his side and the potential to stage a comeback. To?? achieve this, he must undergo a complete transformation, focusing on fitness, refining his technique, and building mental resilience.

Shaw must embrace the? discipline required to compete at the highes?t level, seeking inspiration from players who have successfully revived their careers after setbacks. His next steps will determine whether he emerges as a story of redemption or remains a cautionary tale in Indian cricket.

Also READ: Prithvi Shaw UNSOLD in IPL 2025 Auction: Is this the end of Mumb?ai batter?

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The final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 between Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh was a thrilling enco?unter that concluded with M??umbai clinching their second title by defeating Madhya Pradesh by 5 wickets.

Rajat Patidar shines amidst early setbacks

The final began with Madhya Pradesh opting to bat first at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. However, their innings got off to a shaky start as both openers, Arpit Gaud (3) and Harsh Gawli (2), fell cheaply. Subhranshu Senapati attempted to stabilize the innings with 23 runs, but the standout performance came from skipper Rajat Patidar.

Patidar’s unbeaten 81 off just 40 balls, studded with six fours and six sixes, was the highlight of the innings. His counterattack?ing approach in the latter half helped Madhya Pradesh recover from ??early setbacks, guiding them to a respectable total of 174/8 in 20 overs.

For Mumbai, Shardul Thakur and Royston Dias impr??essed with the ball, picking up 2 wickets each for 41 and 32 runs respectively.

Also WATCH: Lukman Meriwala picks three wicke?ts in a single over at Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

Suryansh Shedge seals the deal in Mumbai’s successful chase

Chasing 175, Mumbai’s innings had an uncertain start as Prithvi Shaw departed for just 10. Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer tried to consolidate but couldn’t? build a significant partnership, with Iyer falling for 16 and Rahane contributing 37 off 30 bal?ls.

The game-changing moment came with Suryakumar Yadav’s fl??uent knock of 48 off 35 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes. Despite his dismissal, Mumbai’s lower-middle order took charge.

Suryansh Shedge played a match-winning innings, smashing an unbeaten 36 off just 15 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes. His late flourish, combined with Atharva Ankolekar’s quickfire 16 off 6 balls, saw Mumbai comfortably chase the target in? 17.5 overs, winning by 5 wickets.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Mumba?i are CHAMPIONS of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tr??ophy 2024-25 🥳

Atharva Ankolekar with the winning runs 🙌

Mumbai register a 5-wicket win over Madhya Pra??desh 👏👏

Scorecard – //t.co/4J8WAjUsK9#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @MumbaiCricAssoc pic.twitter.com/UGzz4cosbQ

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 15, 2024

𝐓𝐡𝐞? 𝐟���𝐫�??��𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 ���𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐞. 🏆

Congratulations to Shreyas Iyer & Co on claiming the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the second time. ✌️#MCA #Mumbai #Cricket #Wankhede #BCCI pic.twitter.com/2K4zHb9x16

— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) December 15, 2024

Mumbai are champions of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 🏆#Cricket #SyedMushtaqAliTrophy #AjinkyaRahane #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/s6mXP0gNT3

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2024

Ranji Trophy – 42
Irani Cup – 15
Vijay Hazare Trophy – 4
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – 2*

63rd DOMESTIC TROPHY FOR MUMBAI – THE GREATEST TEAM 🥶 pic.twitter.com/1mIM1d7ddQ

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2024

Captain Shreyas lyer's team Mumbai has won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hDj90pZlec

— Pick-up Shot (@96ShreyasIyer) December 15, 2024

Shreyas Iyer leads Mumbai to victory?? in the Syed Mushtaq Ali 2024.

– 2024 belongs to the leader, Shreyas. 🏆#ShreyasIyer | @ShreyasIyer15 pic.twitter.com/5Fd1iAveaJ

— Shreyas Iyer Trendsᵀ�?(@TrendsShreyas) December 15, 2024

MUMBAI BECOMES THE CHAMPIONS OF SYED MUSHTAQ ALI TROPHY 2024…!!!!

– Captain Shreyas Iyer led Mumbai team. pic.twitter.com/7fSlOP7PIM

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 15, 2024

Mumbai beat Madhya Pradesh by five wickets in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Sunday. Shreyas Iyer's Team won the title for the second time. The team had earlier won the title in 2022/23 under Ajinkyane's leadership.#Shreyas #AjinkyaRahane pic.twitter.com/1lXr14ohDg

— Sudhir Yadav (@sudhiryadvv) December 15, 2024

�?452 runs in 5 innings @/90.40 avg in Ranji Trophy(red ball format)
�?345 runs in 8 innings @/49.29 avg and 189 sr in Syed Mushtaq Ali?? Trophy(T20 format)

Next in Vijay Hazare Trophy that too in our favourite format(ODI) 😈 pic.twitter.com/j3kTSH7hJJ

— Yash. (@105of70Mumbai) December 15, 2024

The Champions of Syed Mushtaq Ali 2024 – Mumbai 🏆#Cricket #SMAT #T20 #Mumbai #INDvsAUS #Tommavi

— Prabhat_🇮🇳 (@patel__07) December 16, 2024

Mumbai Won t??he Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 🏆.

BCCI President Mr. Roger Binny hands over the trophy to Mumbai Captain Shreyas Iyer. 👏👏//t.co/LV6AP9Ea8w

— Anand Mohan Shukla (@ShuklAnandMohan) December 15, 2024

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 Final: Mumbai's victory records an achievement in Shreyas Iyer's name, accomplishing a unique feat pic.twitter.com/ZRWv6psVpZ

— VOICE OF HUMANITY (@zai84na) December 15, 2024

Champions!! 🏆 Mumbai beat Madhya Pradesh to win second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title!! #SMAT2024 pic.twitter.com/vEjUMsnadV

— Jitendra Pareek (@Jitendr39310972) December 15, 2024

The Champions of Syed Mushtaq Ali 2024 – Mumbai 🏆 #SMAT2024 #SMATFinal pic.twitter.com/EYhIAs0Py7

— Mayank Pandey (@MayankP36121336) December 15, 2024

Also WATCH: Atharva Ankolekar pulls off a jaw dropping catch to dismiss Abhimanyu Sing?h in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

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In the semifinal encounter of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Mumbai emerged victorious over Baroda by 6 wickets. The thrilling contest was highlighted by an incredible fielding display from Mumbai’s Atharva Ankolekar, who took a stunning catch to dismiss Baroda’s opener Abhimanyu Singh.

Atharva Ankolekar’s outstanding catch

The wicket came in the 3rd over of Baroda’s innings, when Mumbai’s bowler Mohit Avasthi delivered a shortish delivery to Abhimanyu, he attempted? a pull shot across the line, only for the ball to skew high into the air. It looked as though it would fall safely?? beyond mid-wicket, but Ankolekar, stationed at mid-wicket, had other plans.

The  24-year-old sprinted after the ball, and in a stunning display of athleticism, he timed his dive perfectly. He managed to get both hands under the ball, but it slipped slightly off his fingers. However, Ankolekar’s quick reflexes allowed him to recover, pouncing on the ball in a second attempt just inches above the ground. The crowd erupted as Mumbai took an early breakthrough, dismissing Abhimanyu Singh for 9 runs off 10 balls.

Here is the video:

𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏. 𝘼. 𝘾𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃!

That was an absolute stunner from Atha?rva Ankol??ekar 👌👌

LIVE ▶️ //t.co/b9vrOYcADy#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/sU1RMgOGoq

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 13, 2024

Ankolekar wasn’t just a hero in the field; he also contributed with the ball. The left-arm off-spinner claimed a crucial wicket, dismissing Baroda’s Bhanu Pania. Ankolekar’s all-round performance proved to be a key factor in Mumbai’s dominance throughout the ?match.

Also WATCH: Lukman Meriwala pi??cks three wickets in a single over at Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

Baroda sets a modest target

Asked to bat first, Baroda posted a total of 158/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite some resistance, their innings never really gained momentum. Shivalik Sharma was the standout performer for Baroda, scoring 36 not out off 24 balls, which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, Mumbai’s bowlers maintained tight control, with every bowler picking up at least one wicket.

Suryansh Shedge was parti?cularly impressive, taking 2 wickets in his 2-over spell. Mumbai’s disciplined bowling performance ensured that Baroda’s total was kept under control, leaving Mumbai with a chaseable target of 159.

Mumbai’s chase led by Ajinkya Rahane’s explosive batting

In reply, Mumbai wasted no time and chased down the target with ease, scoring 164/4 in just 17.2 overs. Mumbai’s batting was led by their opener, Ajinkya Rahane, who played a blistering knock of 98 runs off 56 balls. Rahane’s innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, and he displayed an exceptional strike rate of 175.00, narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century.

While Rahane’s fireworks stole the spotlight, Mumbai’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, played a vital sup?porting role, scoring 46 runs off 30 balls. Iyer’s composed innings ensured that Mumbai stayed on track, and their victory was secured with more than 2 overs to spare.

Rahane was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the bat. Mumbai’s all-around performance earned them a place in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, becoming the first team to reach the tournament’s final.

Also READ: Allu Arjun and Krunal Pandya: Fans?? compare Pushpa 2 characters to ?Indian cricketers

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Kevin Pietersen has offered a candid advice to Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw, who is currently facing significant challenges in hi??s caree?r.

Unsold in IPL 2025 auction, struggle with the bat in SMAT 2024/25

Shaw, once hailed as a prodigious talent after leading India’s U-19 team to World Cup glory in 2018, has seen his career take a downturn. At just 25 years old, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, despite setting a base price of ??�?5 lakh. This l??ack of interest from franchises has raised serious questions about his future in the sport.

Kevin Pietersen’s advice for Prithvi Shaw

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Pietersen highlighted that Shaw’s off-field behaviour, particularly his engagement with social media, could be detrimental to his performance on the field. He stated that if Shaw had supportive individuals around him, they would advise him to “get off social media and train his absolute backside off” to regain his fitness and focus on cricket.

The former cricketer pointed out that comeback stories are often the most compelling in sports. He urged Shaw to channel his energies into rigorous training, believing that this would help him return to the path of success he once enjoyed. Pietersen expressed concern that Shaw is “too talented to throw it all away,” and encouraged him to surround himself with people who genui?nely care about his long-term success.

Also READ: Best playing XI of unsold pl??ayers from the IPL 2025 mega auction ft. Prithvi ??Shaw

“Some of the greatest sports stories are COMEBACK stories. If Prithvi Shaw has decent people around him who care about his long term success, they’d sit him down, tell him to get off social media & train his absolute backside off in getting super fit. It’ll get him back into the correct path where past success can return. Too talented to throw it all away. Love, KP!” tweeted Pietersen.

Some of the greatest sports stories are COMEBACK stories.
If Prithvi Shaw has decent people around him who care about his long term success, they’d sit him down, tell him to get off social media & train his absolute backside off in getting super fit. It’ll get him back into the�?/p>

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 3, 2024

Shaw’s recent performances have been lacklustre; he was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team due to fitness issues and has struggled in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2024), where he recorded a duck in one of his matches. His last appearance for the Indian national team was back in July 2021, highlighting a significant gap in his international career.

Als?o READ: Fans troll Prithvi Shaw after another duck in Syed Mushtaq Ali ?Trophy 2024

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During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur went unsold, leaving many cricket enthusiasts and experts stunned. The 33-year-old, who had been a vital member of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2024 edition, entered the auction with a base price of INR 2 crore but failed to attract any bids. However, Thakur’s resolve remained unshaken, and he soon bounced back in emphatic style with an exceptional bowling performance in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024.

Shardul Thakur shines with a stellar bowling performance for Mumbai

In the Group E match of SMAT 2024 between Mumbai and Services, Thakur reminded everyone of his immense skill and potential. Taking the ball in a high-pressure situation, Thakur delivered a spellbinding performance, finishing with remarkable figures of 4 wickets for just 25 runs in his four overs. His economy rate of 6.20 was impressive, especially given the competitive nature of T20 cricket. Thakur’s magical spell dismantled the Services batting lineup, as he dismissed the top four batters, putting his team on a firm path to victory. His contributions played a key role in Mumbai’s comfortable 39-run win, which has elevated their position in the Group E points table.

Here’s the video:

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑳𝒐𝒓�??�� 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒖𝒍 𝒃𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒔, 𝒘𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒂�?��𝒍 🫶

Keep watching #IDFCFirstBankSyedMushtaqAliTrophy on #JioCinema and #Sports18Khel! 👈#ShardulThakur #JioCinemaSports #SMAT pic.twitter.com/1oHSvyGrBR

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) December 3, 2024

Additionally, Mumbai has had a solid start to their SMAT 2024 campaign, having played five matches so far. Currently sitting in 3rd place on the Group E points table, the team has had a good run, losing just one match to Kerala. Thakur has been pivotal in Mumbai’s success, consistently delivering match-winning performances with the ball. In the five matches he has played so far, Thakur has never gone wicketless. His tournament tally now stands at 11 wickets, with standout performances including a three-wicket haul against Nagaland on December 1. Su??ch displays underline his reliability and ability to deliver under pressure.

Also READ: Fans tr??oll Prithvi Shaw after another duck in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2??024

Future prospects: A message to IPL franchises

Despite his undeniable talent and proven abilities in domestic cricket, Thakur’s unsold status at the IPL 2025 auction raised questions among fans and cricket analysts alike.?? His recent performances in SMAT 2024 are likely to serve as a reminder to IPL franchises of his potential and value a??s an all-rounder. Thakur’s versatility, experience, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset in any T20 setup. It is hoped that the IPL selectors will take note of his incredible performances and ensure that Thakur gets the recognition and opportunities he truly deserves in future IPL auctions.

Also READ: 3 players who ?can captain Lu??cknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025

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