A perfect import

A perfect import
Mumbai Sports Bureau

Former Maharashtra player Shubham Ranjane rescues Mumbai from defeat against Bengal.

For the last couple of years, Shubham Ranjane would have wondered whether his decision to move from Maharashtra to Mumbai was worth the effort. Having played U-19 cricket for Maharashtra, the 22-year-old decided to shift to the city three years ago and had immediately divided opinion among the selectors and managing committee members on whether he should be considered for Mumbai selection at all.

Ranjane, whose grandfather Vasant played seven Tests for India and father Subhash represented Maharashtra in 29 first-class games, did get a chance in the U-23 team after the mandatory cooling off period for players shifting associations. But given the family pedigree, making it to the Ranji team was always going to be special.

The 22-year-old finally got a chance when middle order batsman Siddhesh Lad injured his back and Aarman Jaffer was unwell. And though, he failed to make a mark in his debut game against Gujarat in Hubli, the lanky youngster yesterday saved the defending champions from the ignominy of losing outright against Bengal on the final day of their Group A Ranji Trophy encounter in Nagpur yesterday.

Despite bowling out Bengal for 99 on the opening day, Mumbai were staring at defeat when they were reduced to 67 for 5 while chasing a target of 307 on the final day.

But Ranjane (76 not out) first stitched a 112-runs partnership with Abhishek Nayar (51) and then stood his ground for another half an hour to ensure a draw and three points for Mumbai and maintain hegemony at the top of Ground A with 29 points.

“It’s a very special feeling to win (in this case save a match) for your team. When we began our innings, our aim was to go for the target. But then we lost quick wickets, me and Nayar just told each other to stay on the wicket and see off the day,” said Ranjane, who spent 305 minutes in the middle and faced 193 balls to stave off an inspired Bengal attack that needed an outright win to stay in hunt for a knock-out berth.

Speaking about the challenges and the pressure going into the match, the former Maharashtra U-19 player said that he was obviously aware that he had to grab the opportunity with both hands but had enough confidence in his abilities. “I had scored runs in the U-23 games and hence I was confident that I am in good form,” said Ranjane, who began as a medium pacer like his grandfather but then concentrated more on his batting.

He, however, did play his part with the ball in Nagpur as he bowled 12 overs and conceded as many runs to stem the run flow when the Bengal batsmen were in full flow.

Ask him if being a third-generation cricketer from the family puts added pressure, and the 22-year-old responds in the negative.

“I actually take inspiration from the fact that my father and grandfather played this game. My father constantly motivates me to give my best and that help.”

Subhash Ranjane could not follow in his father’s footstep as injuries dogged his career. Now it’s Shubham’s turn to live that dream.
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