Ranji Trophy: KL Rahul hundred knocks Mumbai out, powers Karnataka to semifinal
Karnataka secured a semifinal berth in the Ranji Trophy by successfully chasing down a target of 325 against Mumbai, ending the defending champions' campaign and reviving hopes for their first title since 2015. KL Rahul was the star of Karnataka's win as he hit a hundred in the fourth innings in Mumbai.
In a high-stakes clash between two of Indian domestic cricket's most successful giants, Karnataka pulled off a historic chase to defeat arch-rivals Mumbai by four wickets. The quarter-final at the MCA-BKC Ground in Mumbai belonged to KL Rahul, whose sublime fourth-innings century kept Karnataka's pursuit of their first Ranji Trophy title since 2015 firmly alive.
Chasing a daunting target of 325 on a wearing Day 4 surface, Karnataka's hopes rested squarely on their veteran star. After the early loss of Mayank Agarwal for just 3, Rahul walked out with intent. He did not merely anchor the innings; he dictated its tempo, punishing anything loose from Mumbai's pace duo of Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande.
Rahul's 24th first-class century came off just 147 balls, an innings marked by classical drives and a clinical V-shaped approach that effectively neutralised Mumbai's spin threat. He found solid support in captain Devdutt Padikkal (39), with whom he added 84 runs to steady the chase. Later, a partnership worth over 130 with Smaran Ravichandran took the game away from the hosts, allowing Karnataka to cross the line with four wickets in hand.
HOW KL RAHUL HAS BOLSTERED KARNATAKA
Rahul's return to domestic cricket has been a significant boost for Karnataka. He struck a vital half-century in their final Group B match against Punjab in Mohali last week, underlining his form as the side enjoyed a resurgent campaign in this edition of the Ranji Trophy. The India opener had earlier been in fine touch during the ODI series against New Zealand, scoring a valiant century in Rajkot, before making himself available for Ranji Trophy duties immediately after the series.
The quarter-final itself was a rollercoaster from the opening session. Mumbai's decision to bat first on Day 1 proved costly as they were bundled out for just 120. Karnataka's bowling attack, led by Prasidh Krishna and Vidwath Kaverappa, with support from Shreyas Gopal, shared nine wickets between them.
However, Mumbai showed why they are 42-time champions by mounting a spirited fightback. Despite conceding a 53-run first-innings lead - largely due to Mayank Agarwal's gritty 92 - their second innings was a display of resilience. Wicketkeeper-batter Akash Anand (70) played a key role, while late-order contributions from Tanush Kotian (48*) and Tushar Deshpande (47) lifted Mumbai to 377, setting a target many believed would be beyond Karnataka's reach.
With this victory, Karnataka have not only booked a place in the semi-finals but also sent a strong message to the remaining contenders. The inclusion of India internationals such as Rahul and Prasidh Krishna has transformed a youthful side into a well-balanced force.
For Mumbai, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their title defence, though the emergence of young talents like Musheer Khan and Akash Anand offers a silver lining. Karnataka, meanwhile, will now turn their attention to the semi-finals as they look to end an 11-year wait and reclaim their place at the summit of domes.