Rohan Raje stole the show in the first semifinal of the T20 Mumbai League 2025. The 38-year-old pace bowler took 5 wickets, helping his team, Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, secure a spot in the final. They defeated Eagle Thane Strikers by 8 wickets.
The Strikers won the toss and chose to bat first, but their start was disastrous. Raje put pressure on the opposing team from the beginning. He took 5 wickets in his 4-over spell, giving away 40 runs. This was the first five-wicket haul of the season and the fourth in the league’s history.
Raje’s victims included Sairaj Patil, who was on 41, Vinay Kunwar, and Shashank Attarde. His brilliant bowling broke the Strikers’ batting lineup. The team could only manage 131 runs in 20 overs, losing 8 wickets.
The Maratha Royals started slowly while chasing the target of 132 runs. They lost Sähil Jadhav in the first over, but captain Siddhesh Lad took charge. He scored an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls, including 9 fours and a six.
Lad’s captain’s knock helped the Maratha Royals reach 134 runs in 17.5 overs, winning the match by 8 wickets with 13 balls to spare. Raje’s performance was a testament to his experience and determination. He has been impressing with his bowling and has caught the attention of big names in the sport.
In the first match of the season, which was reduced to 9 overs due to rain, Raje scored 48 runs off 21 balls and took 1 wicket for 9 runs in the final over. He was part of the Mumbai Indians team in the IPL in 2008-09 and had even fooled Sachin Tendulkar with his slow balls in the nets.
Raje made his List A debut in 2008 and has played 1 First Class, 5 List A, and 30 T20 matches in his career. His performance in the semifinal has ensured his team a spot in the final, and he will be looking to continue his good form.