On Tuesday morning, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar graced the Wankhede Stadium to witness the exhilarating final match of the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season, featuring Mumbai and Vidarbha. Accompanying Tendulkar were former captain Dilip Vengsarkar and Chandrakant Pandit, head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders, all immersed in the thrilling atmosphere of the iconic stadium as they savored the pinnacle of domestic cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar’s refreshing pause: Tea Break at Ranji Trophy dhowdown

Notably, Tendulkar’s presence at the Wankhede Stadium coincided with former captain Sunil Gavaskar’s attendance the previous day. Gavaskar, enthusiastically supporting Mumbai, applauded Ajinkya Rahane and Musheer Khan for their resilient, unbeaten fifties on Day 2, which played a pivotal role in steering the home team away from adversity.

Amidst Mumbai’s quest to extend their lead in the second innings, Sachin Tendulkar was spotted relishing a cup of tea, while Musheer Khan and Shreyas Iyer worked diligently to bolster Mumbai’s advantage. This came after the 41-time champions faced a setback with the dismissal of captain Ajinkya Rahane for 73 runs in the 60th over.

Key performances and resilient recoveries: Mumbai’s dominance unfolds in Ranji Trophy final

Just the previous day, Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium, coinciding with its hosting of the significant final match. Mumbai, positioned to break their seven-year drought for a Ranji Trophy title, surged ahead with a commanding 119-run lead in the first innings. Despite a modest first-innings score of 224, Mumbai’s bowlers, led by seasoned campaigner Dhawal Kulkarni and spinner Shams Mulani, dismantled Vidarbha’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 105 runs.

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In a display of resilience, Shardul Thakur emerged as a pivotal figure with the bat during Mumbai’s first innings. Amidst a precarious situation at 111 for 6, the Indian all-rounder orchestrated a remarkable counter-offensive, smashing three sixes and eight boundaries en route to a rapid 75 off just 69 deliveries, bolstering Mumbai’s total significantly.

In the second innings, Mumbai faced early setbacks with the dismissals of openers Prithvi Shaw and Bhupen Lalwani. However, captain Rahane and the promising youngster Musheer Khan orchestrated a remarkable recovery, stitching together a crucial 130-run partnership. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer showcased his fluent strokeplay, nearing a brisk fifty in the opening session on Tuesday.