Ajinkya Rahane Propels Mumbai to Syed Mushtaq Ali Final

Ajinkya Rahane played a stellar innings to guide Mumbai to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, held at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Rahane’s dynamic play saw him scoring a remarkable 98 runs off just 56 balls, setting up Mumbai’s victory over Baroda by six wickets in the semi-final match.

In this crucial match, Baroda, despite the talents of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya, could manage only 158 runs against a disciplined bowling performance from Mumbai. The efforts of Atit Sheth and Shivalik Sharma with aggressive shots brought some respect to Baroda’s total, but it was not enough to pose a serious challenge.

Rahane, who justified the Kolkata Knight Riders’ investment of INR 1.50 crore, is also in contention to lead the franchise in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. He demonstrated his exceptional form with an innings embellished with 11 fours and five sixes, further solidifying his position as a top player. Currently, he is the leading run-scorer in the tournament, having amassed 366 runs across eight matches.

Mumbai’s successful chase was primarily driven by Rahane’s commanding innings, which overshadowed Baroda’s efforts. The result ensures Mumbai’s place in the finals, which is set to be held on Sunday in Bengaluru.

With his recent performances, Rahane has not only reinforced his value as a player but also proved to be a significant asset for both Mumbai and potentially Kolkata Knight Riders moving forward. His current form makes him a critical player to watch in the final and beyond.