Ranji Trophy 2025-26: A homecoming to savour for Mumbai’s Akhil Herwardkar
When Akhil Herwadkar moved to Chhattisgarh in 2022 after a decade-long association with Mumbai, the opening batter did not know what life had in store in the future.
But when he decided to return to his roots after a season with Chhattisgarh, Mumbai welcomed him back with open arms.
Herwardkar had to wait for more than a year to brek into the playing eleven but he did not lose hope.
MATCH REPORT | Akhil Herwadkar makes Mumbai return count in dominant day against Pondicherry
A wait for the right moment followed, which finally ended on Sunday when he was drafted into the playing pool as a replacement for Ajinkya Rahane.
Herwadkar grabbed the opportunity with both hands and came up with a gritty 86 against Pondicherry.
“I was in the team last year, and this year too, I didn’t get a chance to play in the first four games. But I was confident that whenever I get a chance, I will do it. My goal was to perform well in the Ranji Trophy and move forward,” Herwadkar said.
It was a slow start for the 31-year-old as he could score just three runs in 28 balls, but as the day progressed, Herwadkar accelerated.
| Photo Credit:
Emmanual Yogini
It was a slow start for the 31-year-old as he could score just three runs in 28 balls, but as the day progressed, Herwadkar accelerated.
| Photo Credit:
Emmanual Yogini
“Everyone knows that it is very difficult to come back to Mumbai, once you leave the team, because the competition is so high. But I am fortunate that I got an opportunity. The selectors and the coach backed me. They selected me from my previous performances in the club and company games, and I am fortunate and thankful for that,” he added.
Herwadkar fell 14 runs short of what would have been a century to savour.
“I was a little disappointed. If I had been 100 not out, I would have put the team in a better situation. But having said that, we are still in a good place,” he said.
It was a slow start for the 31-year-old as he could score just three runs in 28 balls, but as the day progressed, Herwadkar accelerated.
“I was a little nervous. I won’t lie,” he said. “I was playing the Ranji Trophy in Mumbai after a long time. I was a little nervous, but the way Musheer (Khan) played on this wicket, I got the confidence. Initially, I was a little doubtful about the wicket as it looked green, but Musheer gave me confidence…”
Published on Nov 16, 2025
