Mumbai players are wearing black armbands during their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha. Here's why.
Players from both Mumbai and Vidarbha camps along with the match officials observed a minute's silence ahead of the third day's play at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur to pay their tributes to Milind Rege, the former Mumbai captain who passed away on Wednesday (February 19).
Mumbai were also seen sporting black armbands as a mark of respect.
Tributes pour in for Milind Rege
Rege, who played 52 first-class matches for Mumbai between 1966-67 and 1977-78, passed away due to a cardiac arrest aged 76 today. He was an off-spinner who finished his career with 126 wickets at 29.23 and was later involved with Mumbai cricket in various roles over the years.
Tributes from different quarters poured in for the much respected former Mumbai captain and selector. "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Milind Rege sir," Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik said in a statement. "A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, his contributions as a player, selector, and mentor were invaluable. His guidance shaped generations of cricketers, and his legacy will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."
Former India coaches Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble also expressed condolences. "His contributions to cricket, both on and off the field were immense," Kumble wrote on X, while Shastri called Rege "a mentor par excellence".
Akash Anand leads Mumbai's fightback
After being reduced to 118-6 on day two, Mumbai managed to reach up to 270 in their first innings, keeping the deficit down to 113, which at one point looked like it would be greater than 200.
Also read: Rookie spinner takes Rahane, SKY, Dube in five balls in Ranji semi-final
Akash Anand, the 29-year-old wicketkeeper playing just his fourth first-class game, scored a valiant 106 opening the innings to help Mumbai put up a fighting total. Shardul Thakur then came out firing with the ball, picking up Vidarbha opener Atharva Taide in the first over of the second innings to reduce the hosts to 0-1 at the time of writing.
Image credit: @BCCIdomestic (X.com)
