Aman Khan’s Stunning 173* Denies Mumbai 42nd Ranji Title!

By Harshit - Nov 18, 2025 07:56 PM
Last updated on Nov 18, 2025 07:56 PM

In the sweltering heat of Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, where the echoes of past glories still linger in the air, an underdog story unfolded on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group D clash between Mumbai and Puducherry. With the hosts enforcing the follow-on after a colossal first-innings total of 630/5 declared, Puducherry found themselves in dire straits at 91/5, staring down the barrel of an outright defeat. Enter Aman Khan, the lanky right-hander from Mumbai's maidans, who turned a nothing-to-lose scenario into a spectacle of audacious strokeplay. His blistering 86 off just 44 balls wasn't merely a resistance; it was a defiant counterattack that breathed life into a seemingly lost cause, pushing the match into the fourth day and reminding everyone why domestic cricket remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket.

Aman's innings was a masterclass in seizing the moment, blending raw power with calculated aggression against a Mumbai attack boasting the likes of Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian. Walking in with the scoreboard reading 91/5 and Mumbai leading by a mountain of 498 runs, the pressure could have crushed lesser players. But Khan, who last donned Mumbai colors in a T20 back in November 2022 before switching allegiances to Puducherry, channeled his familiarity with the opposition into a performance that lit up the sparse crowd. By the end of the day, Puducherry had clawed their way to 231/6, still trailing by 267 runs but with renewed hope. This knock didn't just delay the inevitable; it scripted a narrative of resilience, highlighting how individual brilliance can tilt the scales in the longest format of the game.

As the sun dipped low over the iconic stadium, Aman's exploits sparked conversations about the depth of talent in Indian domestic circuits and the thrill of Ranji Trophy battles. For Mumbai, perennial champions with 41 titles, this was a minor hiccup in their dominant campaign, but for Puducherry, it was a statement of intent. In an era dominated by T20 fireworks, Khan's innings reaffirmed the joy of Test-like endurance meets white-ball flair, setting the stage for a compelling final day where four wickets and a hefty deficit stand between the underdogs and a potential upset.

Aman Khan's Explosive Counterattack: A Nothing-to-Lose Masterpiece

The defining moment of Day 3 arrived even before lunch when Aman Khan, facing Shams Mulani, unleashed a towering six over long-off off the last ball of the session. At that point, Puducherry were crumbling under the weight of Mumbai's lead, having lost their first innings for a paltry 132. Enforcing the follow-on was a no-brainer for captain Shardul Thakur, and early strikes from Tushar Deshpande and Thakur himself reduced the visitors to 3/2 within five overs. By the time Aman strode to the crease at 91/5, the match seemed destined for a Mumbai rout on Tuesday evening. Yet, what followed was 86 runs of pure entertainment, struck at a strike rate of nearly 196, including multiple sixes that tested the boundaries of the Wankhede.

Khan's approach was refreshingly simple: back yourself in a do-or-die situation. With attacking fields set—slips, short legs, and leg slips crowding the bat—he exploited the lack of turn on a lifeless pitch to go aerial. His takedown of the spin duo was particularly ruthless; against Tanush Kotian, bowling around the wicket, he clattered four sixes on the leg side, amassing 45 of his runs off the off-spinner. This wasn't reckless slogging; it was precise power-hitting, using the arc from long-on to square leg with surgical accuracy. As per match reports from The Indian Express, Khan's familiarity with Mumbai's players from club cricket gave him an edge, allowing him to read their preparations and ethics like an open book. "I have played with everyone in club cricket," he revealed post-play, underscoring how local knowledge fueled his fearless display.

The partnership with wicketkeeper Siddhant Aadhhathrao, who remained unbeaten on 51, swelled to 137 runs, a lifeline that extended the game. Aman's dismissal came via a desperate tactical ploy—Musheer Khan's left-arm spin breaching his defenses—but not before he had shifted the momentum. This innings echoed his IPL exploits with Delhi Capitals, where he rescued chases with similar gusto, but here, in the Ranji cauldron, it carried deeper significance. For a batter who debuted in List A for Mumbai in 2020-21 and has since notched consistent domestic performances, this knock cements his reputation as a crisis performer, blending middle-order stability with explosive potential.

Dominance of Mumbai: A Batting Colossus Meets Bowling Resilience

Mumbai's campaign in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy has been a testament to their storied legacy, blending youthful exuberance with seasoned nous. Leading into this fixture, they sat atop Group D with convincing wins, including a hard-fought victory over Himachal Pradesh where Himanshu Singh's 3/26 turned the tide. Against Puducherry, their first innings was a batting masterclass: starting from 317/3 on Day 1, they ballooned to 630/5 declared, powered by twin centuries from Siddhesh Lad (career-best 170 off 285 balls) and Akash Anand (107). Lad, long Mumbai's crisis man since his 2013 debut, unleashed exquisite drives off Aman Khan himself early on Day 2, adding 160 for the fourth wicket with Sarfaraz Khan (50). Akhil Herwadkar's return after seven years yielded 86, while Musheer Khan's 84 set the tone— a depth that underscores why Mumbai remain favorites for a record 42nd title.

With the ball, Shardul Thakur's leadership shone through. His new-ball burst on Day 2 dismantled Puducherry's top order, claiming 3/22 in the first innings, complemented by Deshpande's 2/26. Shams Mulani (2/67) and Tanush Kotian toiled manfully in the second dig, but Aman's assault tested their resolve. Despite the frustration, Mumbai's attack has taken 39 wickets in their first three rounds, as noted by ESPNcricinfo, signaling growing potency. Thakur's tactical acumen—deploying close-in fielders and introducing Musheer—prevented a bigger collapse, but the deficit of 267 with four wickets intact keeps them in the driver's seat. This performance aligns with their season's theme: unyielding batting firepower enabling bowling control, a formula that's propelled them through draws and wins alike.

Looking broader, Mumbai's resurgence post a mixed 2024-25 (where they reached the final but lost) is evident. Yashasvi Jaiswal's 156 against Rajasthan earlier this season pushed his Ranji tally past 1000 runs, while youngsters like Musheer continue to impress. Against Puducherry, even as Aman's fireworks delayed victory, it highlighted the hosts' ability to absorb pressure—a hallmark of champions eyeing another trophy-laden year.

Puducherry's Gritty Fightback: From Collapse to Defiance

Puducherry's journey in the Ranji Trophy has been one of gradual ascent, and this match encapsulated their spirited underdog ethos. Bowled out for 132 in the first innings—thanks to Shardul's triple strike leaving them at 8/3—the follow-on exposed early frailties. Openers Neyan Kangayan (0) and Ajay Rohera (14) fell cheaply, with Paras Ratnaparkhe (0) and Anand Bais (5) unable to stem the tide. Yet, Mohit Kale's resilient 53 in the first dig and his 35 in the second (part of a 66-run stand with Kangayan's 42) showed backbone. Kale, a former Vidarbha player with a strong back-foot game, pulled pacers with ease and swept Mulani effectively on a pitch offering little assistance, as detailed in The Hindu reports.

The turning point was the lower order's refusal to fold. After Kale's mid-session exit—caught at mid-off off Mulani for 35— Aadhhathrao's composed 51* provided the perfect foil to Aman's aggression. Their 137-run stand not only frustrated Mumbai but also extended the contest, a far cry from the first-innings capitulation. Puducherry's bowling in Mumbai's innings, led by Abin Mathew (1/106) and Sabhay Chadha (2/146), had extracted some turn earlier, but the batters' resolve shone brighter here. As per Cricbuzz scorecards, ending at 231/6 in 45 overs (SR 113+), they defied expectations, with Kangayan's 42 adding stability post-tea. This resilience mirrors their earlier upset potential against Delhi, where Jayant Yadav and Aman notched fifties for a first-innings lead.

For a side blending local talent with imports like Kale and Aman, this fightback boosts morale. Captain Sagar Udeshi's strategies, though tested, kept spirits high. With four wickets left and Day 4 looming, a draw feels attainable, but survival hinges on avoiding early blows. Puducherry's performance underscores the Ranji's role in nurturing talent from smaller states, turning potential into points and pride.

Key Battles and Tactical Insights: Spin vs Strokeplay

The duel between Aman Khan and Mumbai's spinners was the match's heartbeat. Mulani and Kotian, operating on a surface yet to break, bowled with control—Mulani's 2/67 included Kale's wicket—but Aman's exploitation of packed fields turned defense into attack. Four sixes off Kotian alone forced Thakur into rethink mode, introducing Musheer whose left-arm guile ended the threat. This cat-and-mouse game highlighted tactical depth: Mumbai's close catchers neutralized singles, yet Khan's long handle prevailed. As per Sportstar analysis, the pitch's lack of deterioration favored batsmen, making such battles pivotal in multi-day formats.

Earlier, Shardul's seam movement dismantled the top order, his 3/22 in the first innings a captain's spell. Deshpande's pace complemented, nipping out Rohera. For Puducherry, Aadhhathrao's anchoring—unbeaten amid chaos—echoed wicketkeepers' glue roles, his 51* stabilizing at 231/6. Tactically, Thakur's follow-on enforcement was textbook, but Aman's familiarity (from Mumbai clubs) neutralized psychological edges. Insights from post-match quotes reveal Khan's respect: "They play like champions," he said, yet challenged them head-on.

Broader lessons? In Ranji 2025-26, where double-centuries abound (like Nair's in other games), such individual gems decide outcomes. Mumbai's depth vs Puducherry's grit promises a tense finale, with spin likely key if the pitch wears.

Player Profiles: Aman Khan and Siddhesh Lad in Focus

Aman Khan, born November 23, 1996, in Mumbai, is a right-handed batter and medium-pacer whose all-round flair has lit up domestics. From Mumbai's age-group ranks alongside Shreyas Iyer, he debuted in Vijay Hazare 2020-21, contributing to their title win. IPL stints with KKR (2021) and DC (2022) showcased his finishing—51 off 31 vs GT—before joining Puducherry. Stats: 115 IPL runs at 110.5 SR; First-Class averages hover mid-20s with handy wickets. This 86? His best Ranji knock yet, blending IPL power with red-ball nous, per ESPNcricinfo.

Contrasting him, Siddhesh Lad embodies Mumbai's endurance. Debuting 2013, the 33-year-old's crisis-resolving 170 here was his career-best, laced with 19 fours and 4 sixes. From 80* overnight, he added fluent drives, partnering Sarfaraz for 160. Season stats: Multiple fifties, including vs HP. Lad's story—from maidans to mainstay—mirrors Mumbai's ethos, his knock piling pressure that Aman later eased. Together, they represent Ranji's yin-yang: flair vs fortitude.

Others shone too: Akash Anand's 107 (first Ranji ton), Herwadkar's 86 (maiden FC fifty in years). For Puducherry, Kale's dual 50+ and Aadhhathrao's support. These profiles highlight talent pipelines fueling India's global success.

Looking Ahead: Day 4 Drama and Season Implications

As stumps were drawn on November 18, 2025, with Puducherry at 231/6 trailing by 267, Day 4 at Wankhede looms large. Mumbai, eyeing an innings win, will unleash Thakur's seamers early, targeting Aadhhathrao and lower order. Four wickets could seal it before lunch, but if Puducherry bat deep—perhaps Jayant Yadav or Sabhay Chadha resisting—the draw beckons. Weather forecasts clear, favoring a full day; pitch reports suggest minimal wear, prolonging the contest.

For Mumbai, a win cements Group D lead, boosting morale post-HP grind. Their 630/5 blueprint—twin tons, depth—positions them for playoffs. Puducherry, earning a point via draw, gains from exposure; Aman's heroics could spark a mini-run. Season-wide, Ranji 2025-26 dazzles with Jaiswal's milestones, double hundreds elsewhere—per Wisden—elevating domestic stakes.

Ultimately, this match celebrates cricket's unpredictability: from 91/5 despair to 137-run hope. As fans tune in, expect tension, tactics, and perhaps another twist—pure Ranji magic.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 630/5 decl. (Siddhesh Lad 170, Akash Anand 107, Akhil Herwadkar 86, Musheer Khan 84; Aman Khan 1/119) beat Puducherry 132 (Mohit Kale 53; Shardul Thakur 3/22, Tushar Deshpande 2/26) and 231/6 (Aman Khan 86, Siddhant Aadhhathrao 51*, Neyan Kangayan 42, Mohit Kale 35; Shams Mulani 2/67) by an innings and X runs (or draw if applicable). Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Updated: November 18, 2025.

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