Mumbai all-rounders Tushar Deshpande and Tanush Kotian made history by being just the second pair to register hundreds as the No. 10 and No. 11 positions in First-Class cricket. Facing Baroda in the Ranji Trophy quarter final, Kotian and Deshpande both hit centuries. Deshpande made a strong contribution of 120, while Kotian stayed undefeated at 123, helping Mumbai to an imposing total.
Kotian and Deshpande, who mirrored the historic feat of Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee in 1946, were just the second No. 10 and No. 11 combination to make hundreds in the same first-class innings. In addition to surprising viewers, their combination left the Baroda squad baffled as Mumbai collected an incredible 569 during their second innings, putting a challenging goal of 606 runs to Baroda.
Together, Kotian and Deshpande shared the last wicket during Mumbai’s second innings, that ended at 337 for nine overnight. Their tenacity helped Mumbai take the upper hand against Baroda. Their collaboration gave Mumbai a dominating lead in the game in addition to securing a comfortable 36-run advantage.
Kotian reached the century mark, driving the attack with a smooth 115-ball innings that included three massive sixes and nine boundaries. Deshpande followed suit, creating his masterpiece and scoring his first-ever First-Class hundred off just 112 deliveries with a variety of eight boundaries and six explosive maximums. Their resolute efforts not only demonstrated their abilities but also greatly increased Mumbai’s chances of winning the game.
More records set by the Mumbai batters in the Ranji Trophy encounter
There have only been three instances in which an Indian duo have shared a 200-plus partnership for the last wicket, and that is with Kotian and Deshpande. Deshpande also surpassed Banerjee’s 121 for the best FC score for a number 11 in India. He has become only the third batter in history to make a century in a First-Class match whilst batting at number 11. Ultimately, Deshpande was dismissed for 123, and the partnership concluded with a total of 232, one off the Ranji Trophy record.
Mumbai amassed a whopping 569 runs on board, thanks in part to Kotian and Deshpande. It will be an unlikely task for Baroda to chase 606 runs. Mumbai held a 36-run advantage in the first innings, and Kotian and Deshpande all but sealed their semifinal position. Mumbai will play Tamil Nadu during the semifinals if they prevail.
