Akash scored a vital century for Mumbai in the semifinal against Vidarbha.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
With Hardik Tamore unable to cement his place as Mumbai’s permanent wicketkeeper-batter, the team has been trying out various options in the slot over the last three seasons.
For the time being, though, the reigning Ranji Trophy champion can stop its search, with Akash Anand enjoying an exemplary outing in both departments during the semifinal against Vidarbha.
While the five catches behind the wicket was just the start he required, Akash, having been forced to open the innings due to team combination, responded with a fine hundred – his second in four games so far – to keep Mumbai in the hunt against Vidarbha’s 383.
The most prolific feature of Akash’s 106 (256b, 11×4) was his nonchalance and ability to play time, a craft that’s getting rare.
“It was a very important knock. I hadn’t scored too many runs in the last game, so that was extra motivation. With Vidarbha putting a decent total on the board, the situation demanded me to occupy the crease as long as I could,” Akash said.
“I just played to the situation. They were bowling tight, so I had to respect the bowlers and the situation. It wasn’t about curbing my instincts.”
The 29-year-old – who came through the ranks of Shivaji Park Gymkhana and Don Bosco school and was Shreyas Iyer’s batchmate at both the institutions – had to grind it out at the maidans of Mumbai during age-group levels.
His consistency while representing the Cricket Club of India was rewarded with a maiden Ranji call-up this season. He’ll now look to build on this momentum.
Published – February 19, 2025 06:50 pm IST