Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Vaibhav Kandpal, Ayush Doseja Forge Match-Defining Partnership to Give Delhi Edge Over Mumbai
In a gripping day three encounter at the MCA BKC ground in Mumbai, Delhi's batting lineup found new heroes as Vaibhav Kandpal and Ayush Doseja combined for a pivotal 106-run partnership. This crucial stand propelled Delhi to a commanding 110-run lead against Mumbai, setting up an intriguing final day in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
Kandpal's Composed Knock Provides Solid Foundation
The 25-year-old Vaibhav Kandpal, who had only one previous fifty this season, walked to the crease with Delhi at a precarious 100/3. Displaying remarkable composure, Kandpal began his innings watchfully before unleashing his strokeplay. In the 15th over, he announced his arrival with back-to-back boundaries through the covers off Tushar Deshpande, holding his pose elegantly after the second shot.
Despite his shorter stature, Kandpal exhibited grace reminiscent of Sanat Sangwan through the off side while adding his own flair with well-timed flicks through the on side. His adaptability shone through as he handled Mumbai's varied bowling attack with equal proficiency. Kandpal confidently cut Shams Mulani against the turn, swept Musheer Khan with authority, and rotated strike intelligently against Himanshu Singh's off-spin.
On a surface offering minimal assistance to bowlers, Mumbai's pace battery tested Kandpal with a barrage of short deliveries. The left-hander responded with impressive control, reaching his well-deserved fifty with a pulled boundary off Onkar Tarmale in the 46th over. Even after being struck on the head by a Deshpande bouncer that required brief medical attention, Kandpal continued unfazed, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Doseja's Redemption Innings Maintains Delhi's Momentum
At the other end, Ayush Doseja played the perfect supporting role before taking center stage. The left-hander, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, began cautiously before disrupting Mumbai's bowling rhythm with well-executed reverse sweeps. This stroke forced Mumbai to reconsider their field placements, creating gaps that both batters exploited to rotate strike freely.
When Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad reintroduced pace bowling, Doseja responded with a crisp cover drive off Deshpande in the 41st over. The match witnessed a crucial turning point two overs later when Deshpande spilled a difficult return catch with Doseja on 36. The Delhi batsman capitalized immediately, whipping the next loose delivery through midwicket and reaching his half-century in style with consecutive boundaries off Tarmale.
Doseja brought up the century partnership with a single off Himanshu Singh in the 49th over, but the stand was broken shortly after when Kandpal's attempted sweep resulted in a top edge that Tarmale caught superbly at backward square leg in the 51st over.
Earlier Developments and Match Context
Earlier in the match, Divij Mehra's impressive bowling performance of 5/64 in 31 overs had helped Delhi dismiss Mumbai for 317, giving the hosts a 96-run first-innings advantage that Delhi has now not only erased but extended significantly.
The match has also been notable for environmental challenges, with players wearing masks on Day 1 due to dust from adjacent construction. By day three, organizers had installed tarpaulin covers to mitigate this issue and ensure better playing conditions.
Brief Scores: Delhi 221 & 206/4 (Doseja 62*, Kandpal 61) lead Mumbai 317 (Lad 103; Mehra 5/64) by 110 runs.
With one day remaining in this crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, Delhi holds the advantage thanks to the partnership between Kandpal and Doseja, but Mumbai's bowling attack will be determined to stage a comeback on the final day.
