In a historic turn of events, Mumbai’s lower-order batsmen, Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande, scripted an extraordinary tale of resilience and skill by notching up centuries in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final clash against Baroda. The remarkable feat saw Tanush scoring an unbeaten 120 runs at number-10, while Tushar Deshpande, batting at number-11, contributed a stellar 123 runs to Mumbai’s total.
This exceptional display of batting prowess by Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande marks only the second instance in the annals of first-class cricket where both the number-10 and number-11 batsmen have scored centuries in the same innings. The last time such a feat occurred was in 1946 when Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee achieved this milestone for the Indian team against Surrey County in England.
Mumbai Baroda quarter final encounter due to Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian turns in Mumbai’s way
Despite the heroic efforts of Tanush and Tushar Deshpande , the match between Mumbai and Baroda ended in a draw, largely attributed to Mumbai’s imposing second-innings total of 569 runs. Setting a daunting target of 600 runs for Baroda, Mumbai showcased their dominance in the semi-finals race. With Baroda managing to score 121 runs for the loss of three wickets by the end of the final day’s play, Mumbai advanced to the next stage based on their lead in the first innings.
During Mumbai’s second innings, the team found itself struggling at 337 runs with nine wickets down. It was then that Tanush and Tushar forged a remarkable partnership of 232 runs for the last wicket, turning the tide in Mumbai’s favor. Tanush’s innings saw him face 129 balls, smashing 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, while Tushar, batting aggressively, matched his counterpart with an identical scorecard.
Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian’s partnership a testament to Mumbai’s resilience
The extraordinary centuries by Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande stand as a testament to Mumbai’s cricketing legacy and the indomitable spirit of its players. As the Ranji Trophy progresses, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more thrilling encounters and remarkable performances from the nation’s finest talents.
Tushar Deshpande is the part of Chennai Super Kings in IPL and played the significant role in Chennai Super Kings winning the IPL Trophy 2023 for the record 5th time. Following his heroics versus Baroda in the Ranji Trophy match, Tushar Deshpande dedicates his century to his father and has spoken a lot about it.
I always wanted to prove that I can bat- Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande, who struck a brilliant hundred for Mumbai against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy 2024 quarterfinal, while batting at No. 11, has dedicated his knock to his father. The fast bowler said that his father always believed that he could be a very good all-rounder.
Tanush Kotian and Deshpande created history on Tuesday, February 27 at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC in Mumbai, becoming the first No 10-11 pair to score hundreds in a Ranji Trophy match. The duo added 232 runs for the last wicket as Mumbai amassed 569 runs in their second innings against Baroda.
Speaking to news agency PTI, after Mumbai booked their Ranji Trophy semi-final spot based on first-innings lead, Deshpande reflected on his special batting performance and commented:
“Feeling very satisfied with the knock because I was batting at No 11 and I was able to do this. I always wanted to prove that I can bat, my father always believed that I can be a very good all-rounder and this innings is for him.”
“I can hit big, I have played a lot of rubber-ball cricket and I used to hit big from the U-14 days,” the 28-year-old added.
While Kotian returned unbeaten on 120 off 129 balls, Deshpande was dismissed for 123 off 129 deliveries. The pair fell just one run short of equalling the record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership in Ranji Trophy history. Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh added 233 runs for Delhi against Mumbai in the 1991-92 season.
Tushar Deshpande, however, has no regrets about his dismissal, which ensured Sharma and Maninder’s record was safe. Reflecting on his wicket, he said:
“The only thing that I had in mind was to play as per the merit of the ball. The ball before (his dismissal) I hit for a six and (on) the ball that I got out, it did not go my way but no grudges that we could not complete the record… another day I might get an opportunity and I will try to do that.”
Tushar Deshpande is part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He starred with 21 wickets in 16 matches as CSK lifted the title in 2023.
Tanush Kotian-Tushar Deshpande is only the second No.10-11 pair to hit tons in first-class cricket
With their hundreds in the Ranji Trophy 2024 quarterfinal against Baroda on Tuesday, Kotian and Deshpande became only the second pair in the history of first-class cricket to score hundreds in the same match while batting at No.10 and No.11 respectively. Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee hit tons at No. 10 and No. 11 for India against Surrey at The Oval back in 1946.
The Kotian-Deshpande partnership is also the third instance of an Indian pair adding 200 or more runs for the last wicket. Sarwate and Banerjee are on top of the illustrious list, with their 249-run stand for India against Surrey, followed by Sharma and Maninder’s 233.
This batting by Tushar Deshpande guiding Mumbai to the semi finals atleast for a while has smiles on the face of Chennai Super Kings camp who seemingly has found an handy bat lower down the order come IPL season 2024.