Ranji: Rohit, Jaiswal's promising knocks end abruptly

Rohit Sharma made a blistering start to the second innings against Jammu & Kashmir in their Ranji Trophy clash, launching into the opposition bowlers with a flurry of boundaries at the BKC ground in Mumbai on Friday.

After being dismissed by Umar Nazir Mir in the first innings, Rohit appeared determined to make amends, smashing the bowler for a six and two boundaries. He raced to 15 off just 8 balls, showcasing his trademark strokeplay.

However, the Indian skipper's innings was cut short by Yudhvir Singh. Rohit, attempting a powerful shot, miscued it towards mid-wicket, where Abid Mushtaq took a clean catch.

Despite his dismissal, Rohit's brief but impactful knock provided a much-needed boost to the Mumbai innings. He scored 28 runs off 35 balls, including two fours and three sixes, before departing.

Mumbai’s innings faced a double blow as they lost two quick wickets in succession, adding more pressure after Rohit Sharma's early dismissal.

Hardik Tamore and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was looking in good touch, both fell cheaply, with Jaiswal dismissed for 26 off 51 balls, courtesy of a fine delivery from Yudhvir Singh.

Mumbai briefly regrouped with a solid partnership between Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, which helped them pull level with Jammu & Kashmir’s lead. However, just as the partnership seemed to settle, Iyer was dismissed for 17, edging one through to the keeper. Initially, Iyer checked if the catch had carried, but replays confirmed it was a clean catch.

The pressure mounted as Shivam Dube also edged one, falling to another disappointing dismissal for Mumbai. Auqib Nabi, Jammu & Kashmir's strike bowler, claimed a double-wicket maiden, leaving Mumbai in further trouble.

However, Shardul Thakur struck a wonderful century to script Mumbai's incredible recovery on the second day. Thakur smashed an unbeaten 113 from 119 balls, including 17 fours, to bring Mumbai back into the contest.

He was involved in an unbroken stand of 173 runs from 234 balls for the eighth wicket with Tanush Kotian, who was 58 not out at stumps on Day 2. Having conceded a 86-run first innings lead, the hosts were tottering on 101/7 at one stage before Thakur and Kotian staged a magnificent turnaround.

Mumbai recovered to 274/7 in 67 overs at stumps on Day 2, for an overall lead of 188 runs.