Revealed: Why are Mumbai stars wearing black armbands in Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha?
Published - 19 Feb 2025, 03:10 PM | Updated - 19 Feb 2025, 11:34 PM
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Mumbai and Vidarbha are locking horns with each other in the semi-final of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. The two teams are clashing at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, and the first three days of the game so far have been mouth-watering.
Both the Ajinkya Rahane-led side and Vidarbha are giving their best in the ongoing game, but currently, the Akshay Wadkar-led side is ahead in the game with a lead of over 100 runs. The ongoing day three of the match, no doubt, will be a deciding factor in what is turning out to be an exciting clash.
Mumbai team are wearing black armbands to pay their tribute to former captain and selector Milind Rege
While the action has been enthralling, one thing that caught my attention on day 3 was the black armbands that Mumbai players are wearing. It made many wonder as to why the Ajinkya Rahane-led side doing that.
However, now the reason behind that has been revealed. The Mumbai team are wearing black armbands to pay their tribute to former captain and selector Milind Rege, who passed away on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack, just days after turning 76.
Milind Rege was a prominent figure in Mumbai Cricket as he played 52 first-class matches between 1966-67 and 1977-78. The right-arm off break picked 126 wickets and also scored 1,532 runs at an average of 23.56. During his playing days, at the age of 26, he faced a heart attack but returned to the cricket field and even captained Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Milind Rege - MCA president Ajinkya Naik
MCA president Ajinkya Naik expressed his grief over the sad demise of Milind Rege, saying that his guidance shaped generations of cricketers and his legacy will forever be cherished. Speaking in an official statement, he said:
"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Milind Rege, Sir. 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."
Vidarbha takes command of the ongoing semi-final
Coming to the match, Vidarbha won the toss and opted to bat first. They posted a total of 383 runs, with Dhruv Shorey (74), Danish Malewar (79), and Yash Rathod (54) slamming half-centuries. Apart from that, other batters also contributed as they posted a big total.
In response, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side got all out for just 270 runs. Opener Akash Anand (106) slammed a solid half-century while the rest of the batters failed. Shardul Thakur (37) was the second top run-getter for the team as they ended up conceding a lead of over 100 runs.
In the second innings, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side have been bowling pretty well. They have taken four quick wickets and would be hoping to end their innings as early as possible and chase the target to advance into the final.
