On this day in 2017, Gujarat etched their name in Ranji Trophy history by securing their first-ever title with a remarkable five-wicket victory over Mumbai at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Chasing a daunting target of 312 runs—the highest successful chase in a Ranji Trophy final—Gujarat showcased exceptional determination and strategic brilliance to dethrone the 41-time champions.
A Battle of Titans: Mumbai’s First Innings
Opting to bat first, Mumbai struggled against Gujarat’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 228 runs. Prithvi Shaw (71) and Suryakumar Yadav (57) were the key contributors for Mumbai, but Gujarat’s bowlers, led by RP Singh, Chintan Gaja, and Rujul Bhatt (two wickets each), ensured that the favorites were restricted to a modest total.
Gujarat’s Strong Response
In their reply, Gujarat posted 328, gaining a crucial 100-run lead. Skipper Parthiv Patel played a pivotal role with a resilient 90, while Manprit Juneja added 77 to provide a solid foundation. Their partnerships ensured Gujarat held the upper hand at the halfway mark of the match.
Mumbai’s Fightback in the Second Innings
Faced with a deficit, Mumbai needed a strong comeback in their second innings. Shreyas Iyer (82) and Abhishek Nayar (91) rose to the challenge, leading their team to a competitive total of 411. However, Chintan Gaja, the 22-year-old pacer playing only his third first-class match, delivered a career-best performance, claiming 6 for 121 and preventing Mumbai from setting an insurmountable target.
Gujarat’s Record-Breaking Chase
Chasing 312 in a Ranji Trophy final was unprecedented, but Gujarat approached the target with composure and precision. Captain Parthiv Patel once again led from the front, scoring a magnificent 143. His aggressive yet calculated innings formed the backbone of the chase, while Manprit Juneja provided valuable support with another steady performance. Their crucial century partnership laid the foundation for Gujarat’s successful pursuit.
Key Performances
Parthiv Patel: The captain’s twin contributions (90 and 143) were instrumental in Gujarat’s historic victory. His leadership and attacking approach in the second innings turned the tide in his team’s favor.
Manprit Juneja: Playing vital roles in both innings, Juneja ensured stability and consistency, forming key partnerships with the skipper.
Chintan Gaja: The young pacer’s exceptional spell in the second innings (6 for 121) played a pivotal role in restricting Mumbai to a chaseable total.
A Landmark Victory
Gujarat’s maiden Ranji Trophy title ended Mumbai’s dominance in the competition and marked a significant moment in Indian domestic cricket history. Notably, this was Mumbai’s first defeat in a Ranji Trophy final since the 1990-91 season. Gujarat’s remarkable chase and team effort will be remembered as one of the most historic wins in the tournament’s storied history.
