In a shocking and unusual sight at the MCA Cricket Ground, Mumbai stars were spotted wearing protective masks while fielding during their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash against Delhi on January 29.
Mumbai’s Sarfaraz Khan and Himanshu Singh were the first two players to shield themselves from the choking pollution and dust from nearby construction work, turning heads of everyone during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash on Thursday.
Mumbai players play with masks amid choking air during Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash
The air quality was so poor that even Musheer Khan, another Mumbai player, joined the precaution, stepping onto the field with a mask.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Pollution forces #MusheerKhan to wear a mask too! https://t.co/Zk0IbYz6Rf
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) January 29, 2026
The pollution and nearby construction has ensured Mumbai players wear mask while playing #RanjiTrophy game. pic.twitter.com/ZM5F6HbLLi
— Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) January 29, 2026
Two players of #MumbaiRanjiTrophy team are wearing mask while fielding. #SarfarazKhan and #HimanshuSingh
— Devendra Pandey (@pdevendra) January 29, 2026
This incident has sparked conversations about the growing impact of urban pollution on sports, with many calling for urgent attention to protect players’ health during cricket matches, especially when the games are hosted in polluted cities.
Classic Mumbai vs Delhi rivalry feels empty
The Mumbai vs Delhi Ranji Trophy clash usually brings excitement, but this time the match has lost its buzz. Both teams are without big stars, and there is little at stake; there is not much thrill for the fans. Mumbai has been unstoppable in Elite Group D.
With 30 points from six matches, the Mumbai team has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, meaning all their knockout games will be played at home, giving them a big advantage. On the other hand, Delhi has struggled throughout the tournament.
The Delhi team has not managed a single win, drawn five matches, and lost one. With little to play for, their clash against Mumbai lacks the intensity fans usually expect.
Mumbai vs Delhi Ranji match begins with emotional tribute to Ajit Pawar
Meanwhile, the Mumbai vs Delhi Ranji Trophy clash began with a powerful and emotional moment as players, officials, and fans came together to honor the late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. A moment of silence was observed to pay respect to Pawar’s life, memory, and the contributions he made to the state.
The tribute at the MCA Cricket Ground created a solemn atmosphere. Fans in the stands bowed their heads in respect, showing solidarity with the people of Maharashtra during this tragic time. Notably, Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday morning when the plane he was traveling in crashed while attempting to land near Baramati, leaving the state in shock.
Sanat Sangwan hits stunning century for Delhi
Speaking about the match, Mumbai won the toss and invited Delhi to bat first in the game. Delhi had a poor start as opener Dhruv Kaushik was dismissed cheaply for 7 runs. But Sanat Sangwan stood tall amid the pressure and went on to play a brilliant knock to keep Delhi alive in the game.
However, Sangwan didn’t get the support from the other end, as the wickets kept falling. The Delhi opener went on to play a stunning knock of 118 runs off 218 balls to take his side to over 220/8 at the stumps against Mumbai. Apart from Sangwan, Vaibhav Kandpal (32) and Pranav Rajvanshi (39) were the only two batters who could cross the 30-run mark on Day 1.
