Mumbai vs Vidarbha, Final - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. With so many International and IPL stars in this line-up, it was actually the big hundred from Musheer Khan in the second innings and seven wickets from Tanush Kotian that actually proved to be the telling contribution for Mumbai in this final. This has been a collective effort from a team that has in unison prioritised domestic cricket and winning that shiny Ranji Trophy. After the heartbreak two seasons ago, Ajinkya Rahane's boys have gone the distance this time to get the trophy back home to Mumbai. And that concludes our coverage of this domestic season of Indian cricket, all eyes on the IPL now!! Join us from the 22nd of March, bye for now...

And now Ajinkya Rahane lifts that elusive Ranji Trophy, poses for a photo and then hands it over to Dhawal Kulkarni. Kulkarni holds the trophy aloft as Mumbai pose for a team photo. Shreyas Iyer wasn't fit enough to take the field today, but he is there joining his team in the huddle and the photographs. Chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Moriya' break out with dhols blaring out in the background. The players' hardwork has paid off, Mumbai are Ranji Trophy champions once again!

Ajinkya Rahane | Mumbai Captain: Before talking about us, I want to take a moment to appreciate Vidarbha. The way they showed fight throughout, it would have been very easy for them to give up. The way they have been playing for the last 7-8 years has been great to see. (On Ranji win) This moment is really special for us. Last year, we didn't qualify by 1 run, that really hurt us. We knew we had the talent and individuals, but what is important was creating the right culture and attitude. Would like to thank MCA for their support as well. (On personal form) Ups and downs as a part of the game, I never think about myself, it is always team first. I'm the happiest that we are champions despite me being the lowest run scorer for the team this year. This is a phase every player goes through, you need to keep working hard. Tonight, we celebrate. We enjoy the win because this has been a long, hard season. Whenever we get back in June, we'll plan for the next season. Want to credit the Mumbai support staff for their efforts in the backend throughout the season. (On Dhawal Kulkarni) I have been playing with him since U14 level, we toured U19 for India together. The way he conducts himself on and off the field, sharing his experiences with the younger boys has been really helpful for the side. He has been a role model, someone to look up to. I want to wish Dhawal all the very best in whatever he does with his future.

Mumbai players all getting their individual momentos now, the loudest cheer runs out when they announce Dhawal Kulkarni's name.

Akshay Wadkar | Vidarbha Captain: We had a poor innings in the first innings here. Our batting was clicking throughout, and after getting Mumbai out early in the first innings, we had to bat well. However, we couldn't do that and that's where we fell short in this final. Mumbai bowled really well, specially Dhawal Kulkarni. The pitch was getting difficult to bat, but Mumbai's batters showed great determination. We created a few chances - Musheer's run out chance, Rahane's LBW going to umpire's call. However, that partnership took the game away from us, and then the way Shreyas batted to score quickly in few balls, that took the momentum away from us. (On today morning) We just wanted to play it ball by ball, and defend throughout and try to frustrate them. If we frustrated them, then they would do something silly. We thought of this partnership being the last main partnership, because the batters after can defend, but run scoring would be tough. We focused a lot on fielding this season, everyday we did fielding drills. That's how we managed to turn a few games this season.

Tanush Kotian | Player of the Series: When the season started, we wanted to win this Ranji trophy because we were runners up two years back. We have been putting a lot of efforts to get this cup, very happy to finally achieve it. Last season's performances gave me a lot of confidence. My dad, my coaches and Ajju da have worked very hard with me, they have guided me all through the way. We were getting a bit frustrated, we wanted to lift that cup as soon as possible. Just wanted to get that one wicket. Want to keep working hard, talking with the coaches and senior pros and taking their advice on how to improve. The team atmosphere was great, we were doing well throughout but when the knockouts arrived, it got tougher, specially for the fast bowlers who were playing without too many breaks. We played well as a team, the batting down the order was also great this season.

Musheer Khan | Player of the Match: This innings was very important for me. I wanted to stay there for Mumbai as much as possible, and build partnerships with everyone. (On Rahane) While playing with him, he was constantly communicating and we had really good understanding. We wanted to play with a straight bat as much as possible. It is a very proud moment for me to share this Mumbai dressing room with so many stalwarts. Very happy to win this 42nd Ranji Trophy title. There is a lot of work let for me to do, just want to keep focusing on the process.

Dhawal Kulkarni gets a special award, a felicitation from the MCA on his retirement.

Shardul Thakur: It's a big moment, we haven't won the title for the past few years, I remember winning in 2014-15 with a young team. The Ranji Trophy is a long season, I joined (the team) for the last league game, but the rest have been working hard since last June. So, come March and to win this trophy is so pleasing. It's exciting, we play cricket for challenging situations, it gives you immense pleasure to perform when the team needs you the most. I got a hundred in the semis when the score was 110 for 7, here as well, the runs in the first innings were pretty vital in the context of the game.

Shams Mulani: Last time in the final, we fell short but this one is very important. The whole team contributed throughout the season, that’s what makes it special. I always try to support the team and do what is required while batting and bowling. Throughout the season, we have been able to comeback. This morning also was a tough situation, but we always felt we could comeback and win. We haven’t had it easy throughout the season, but somehow we have found a way to get to the trophy.

Dhawal Kulkarni: It's a cricketer's dream to start and finish on a high. This is my 6th final, 5th time we've won and this will be dear for me. It was an excellent gesture, I didn't expect (that Rahane would give him the ball to finish the game), but hats off for Tushar who gave the ball to me despite taking two wickets in an over. I've got experience as I've played with big stars, they've shared plenty of experience with me and I have passed the same to the younger lot.

13:32 Local Time, 08:02 GMT, 13:32 IST: The margin of victory makes it seem like Mumbai cruised through to a win, but there were a few nervy moments this morning when Wadkar and Harsh Dubey batted out the entire session. Vidarbha's openers got starts, but neither Taide not Shorey could really capitalise. Karun Nair played a measure knock in the middle order, scoring 74 runs and eating away a lot of time from the match. Mumbai were always on top of this game, but they felt the heat when Harsh Dubey and Akshay Wadkar batted brilliantly this morning to make the game slightly interesting. Dubey got a fifty and Wadkar scored a century, but Tanush Kotian delivered the crucial breakthrough shortly into the second session. After that wicket, Vidarbha's innings skittled as Tushar Deshpande bounced out both Dubey and Sarvate. Then, Dhawal Kulkarni got his swansong moment as he was re-introduced to pick the final wicket of Umesh Yadav. Over to the presentations...

D Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, out Bowled!! Knocked over!! Dhawal Kulkarni does get his Hollywood moment sendoff. He tops towards the heavens with his hands aloft! A full delivery angling onto middle and leg, beats Umesh Yadav who takes another big swipe at it. He misses and the leg stump is shattered. A teary eyed Dhawal Kulkarni leads the team off the field, everyone behind him claps him off. Mumbai win by 169 runs, they are Ranji Trophy champions for the 42nd time. Umesh Yadav b D Kulkarni 6(9) [4s-1]

D Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

D Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, FOUR, full onto off stump, Umesh Yadav gives it a wild swing and inside halves this one towards the square leg boundary

Crowd cheering on their local veteran!! Rahane applauds the crowd

D Kulkarni to Umesh Yadav, no run, fuller and sliding onto the pads, deflects towards short leg. An appeal for a catch but that came off the pads, no bat!!

Dhawal Kulkarni [8.0-0-34-0] is back into the attack

Aditya Thakare, right handed bat, comes to the crease

Dhawal Kulkarni into the attack. Will he walk off into the sunset by picking the final wicket of this game?