Rohit disappoints again but Shardul shines with century

A 173-run unbroken stand between Thakur and Kotian has given Mumbai a chance against J&K

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI: Mumbai's day began with a flurry of awe-inspiring sixes from Rohit Sharma and ended with characteristic belligerence from Shardul Thakur.

The action in-between on Day 2 at the Sharad Pawar Academy on Friday wasn't without drama, and not all that rosy for the defending champions, who at one stage were effectively reduced to 5/6 by Jammu and Kashmir; their semi-finals hope hanging in the balance.

But the mood in the two camps as well as the course of the match had changed completely after Shardul (113*) and Tanush Kotian's (58*) unbroken 173-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Mumbai ended the day on 274/7, 188 runs in front and with a more than fighting chance to pull off a come-from-behind win.

Rohit looked good while he was there, this time for over an hour. But a mental error ended his innings on 28 when he handed a catch to mid-wicket. It was also his highest score in the last 13 attempts in the longer format. It is difficult to read too much into the Indian captain's Ranji outing, except to say he's still far from regaining the touch of old.

Having seen the back of Mumbai's much-vaunted top-order, J&K may have begun to dream that they could be giant killers again, 10 years after first beating Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.