Out of favour India batter Ajinkya Rahane registered his second consecutive golden duck in Ranji Trophy 2023-24 while playing for Mumbai against Kerala today (January 19).

After electing to bat first on day one of their group game against Kerala, Mumbai had a torrid start, losing opener Jay Bista and their captain Rahane off the first two balls of the innings from Basil Thampi. While Bista was wrapped around his pads, Rahane was caught behind by wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.

This was Rahane’s second golden duck on the trot after getting one during Mumbai’s 10-wicket win against Andhra last week. Having missed the opening match against Bihar, Rahane is yet to open his account in the Ranji Trophy this season.

Dropped from India’s Test squad due to a prolonged lean run, Rahane was handed Mumbai’s captaincy this year in their quest for a first Ranji Trophy title since 2015-16.

Rahane talked about the importance of being courageous and said that playing on flat wickets could be detrimental to their chances of producing results. “It’s not about being safe. You have to be courageous,” Rahane said after Mumbai’s victory against Andhra in the second round.

“It’s a long tournament, and you win matches only when your bowlers take wickets. So you first aim is to take the innings lead, then think about how much time you have at your disposal because in four days very few matches produce outright results.

“If you play on an absolutely paata (flat) wicket, the outright result is very difficult. So, first-innings lead, and with time on hand, we decide to go for an outright win. Personally, I feel we shouldn’t play on a flat deck.”

Before the start of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Rahane had posted a video of himself batting in the nets soon after India’s defeat in the Centurion Test against South Africa. The timing of his post had raised speculations whether it was a dig at the Indian selectors and management. However, he hasn’t helped his case by registering two back-to-back golden ducks in his first two outings of the Ranji Trophy this season.

 

Bhupen Lalwan’s 50 off 63 and Shivam Dube (44 off 62), meanwhile, put up a fight against Kerala, taking Mumbai to 165-6 after 44 overs. They are currently on top of the table in Group B with two wins from two games.

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