The Long Road Back: Akhil Herwadkar's Resilient Return to Mumbai's Ranji Stage

You know, there are comebacks, and then there are comebacks. Akhil Herwadkar's recent century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, honestly, falls squarely into the latter category. It wasn't just a ton of runs; it was a defiant roar, a deeply personal statement etched into the scoreboard, proclaiming that some talents, some wills, simply refuse to be extinguished.

For three long seasons, Herwadkar, once a promising fixture in Mumbai’s formidable batting lineup, found himself on the sidelines, an almost forgotten name in the cutthroat world of domestic cricket. Three seasons, mind you—that's a lifetime in a sport where out of sight often means out of mind. But for Herwadkar, it seems, it was merely a prolonged, excruciating gestation period.

His return to the playing XI, especially after such a hiatus, must have carried an immense, almost suffocating, weight of expectation. And then, the script unfolded with classic, nail-biting drama: Mumbai, a side synonymous with domestic dominance, found themselves reeling at 34 for 3 against Bihar. That’s when Herwadkar stepped up. With an innings that can only be described as a masterclass in grit and composure, he carved out a crucial 139 runs from 196 balls. It was, without a doubt, a match-saving, momentum-shifting knock that steered Mumbai not just to safety, but to a declared 251 for 4.

But let’s pause for a moment and consider the journey to that hundred. It wasn't just about polishing technique or hours in the nets. No, this was a battle fought on deeper, more psychological terrain. Dropped after the 2019-20 season, the talented opener found himself adrift. Imagine the thoughts that must plague a professional athlete suddenly deemed surplus to requirements. The self-doubt, the frustration, the gnawing question of ‘what next?’ You could say it takes a special kind of stubbornness, a profound love for the game, to keep going when the bright lights dim.

Herwadkar didn't fade away, though. He retreated, yes, but only to regroup. He continued grinding it out in club cricket, for the likes of DY Patil and MIG CC, away from the Ranji glamour. These are the crucibles where true character is forged, where the love of the game, rather than the promise of glory, is the primary fuel. And, in truth, he found crucial support. Mumbai’s coach, Omkar Salvi, and the legendary Wasim Jaffer, acted as mentors, offering guidance and, perhaps most importantly, belief. Jaffer, in particular, a stalwart of Mumbai cricket, knows a thing or two about grinding out runs under pressure.

It was a period of introspection, of almost giving up, Herwadkar admitted. Yet, he pushed through. His family, especially his father, stood as an unwavering pillar of support. And this time around, his approach was different. He focused not on the selection, not on the outcome, but on simply 'being present,' on 'enjoying the process.' And isn't that, ultimately, what unlocks true performance?

So, when that first-class century, his first since December 2018, finally arrived, it wasn't just a personal milestone. It was a vindication. It was a testament to the power of perseverance, a story of an athlete who refused to let his passion be sidelined. This wasn’t just a knock for Mumbai; it was, you might say, a knock for every dreamer who’s ever been told their time is up. And for once, it truly felt like a fairytale ending, or perhaps, a glorious new beginning.