While the Ranji Trophy – India’s Elite First-Class competition – is known to produce some of the finest batsmen who go on to play for India, it has also, time and again, come under the scanner for poor umpiring standards. Last season specifically, the umpiring standard was at its lowest and this year, in the first round itself, another alleged howler has emerged, this one from the Baroda vs Mumbai game.
On day 4 of the game, a poor decision by the umpire cost Baroda allrounder Yusuf Pathan his wicket. Mumbai off-spinner Shashank Attarde bowled a loopy delivery to Pathan, who tried to defend it. But the ball bounced and went straight into the hands of the fielder Jay Bista at short leg. After a huge appeal from Mumbai, umpire raised his finger after some thinking.
Yusuf looked surprised at the decision, and refused to walk away. As Mumbai fielders celebrated, Pathan remained on the crease, waiting for the umpire to review his decision. The square leg umpire came towards the front umpire to have a chat, while Pathan was still seen glued to the pitch.
Then Ajinkya Rahane walked towards Pathan and the two exchanged a few words until the Mumbai wicketkeeper interrupted, separated Rahane from Pathan as the Baroda batsman finally walked back to pavilion.
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Eventually, Baroda were bundled out for 224 while chasing 533 as Mumbai won by 309 runs.
In the first innings, Mumbai had posted 431 runs on the board to which Baroda replied with 307 runs. In the second innings, Mumbai, riding on Prithvi Shaw’s breathtaking double century went on to post 409-4 before declaring. On day 4, Mumbai needed seven wickets to win and that happened while Baroda were on 224. Despite Shaw scoring a 50 and a 200, it was bowler Shams Mulani who was given the man of the man award for his exceptional bowling effort. Mulani bagged a six-fer in the first innings followed by another four wickets in the second innings.