Mokhade misses double ton Vidarbha in total control on Day 2

Special Correspondent

October 17, 2025

VIDARBHA opener Aman Mokhade missed a deserved double century but helped Vidarbha to a strong position on the second day of their Elite Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy match against lowly Nagaland at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Vidarbha posted 463 runs, thanks to Mokhade’s 183, and half centuries from Dhruv Shorey (64) and Yash Rathod (71), and then reduced Nagaland to 81-3 at the end of day’s play. Nagaland still trail by 382 runs with seven wickets in hand. Dega Nischal (32) and stumper Chetan Bist (26) added unbeaten 40 runs when the stumps were drawn.

Resuming at the overnight score of 302 for three, Vidarbha added another 161 runs with Mokhade missing his double ton by 17 runs and captain Akshay Wadkar putting up important 44. 

Overnight batter Rathod could add only five runs in the morning as he was sent back in the sixth over of the day when he edged one back to wicketkeeper Bist off Ronit More. Rathod and Mokhade’s partnership for the fourth wicket produced 157 runs. Mokhade, who batted strongly on the opening day, too, nicked one back to Bist off Dip Borah, after adding 38 runs for the fifth wicket with captain Wadkar (44).

Wadkar and Harsh Dubey (37) then stitched crucial 68 runs for the sixth wicket to take Vidarbha’s score past the 400-run mark. Both rotated the strike and picked easy runs as Nagaland failed to find any breakthrough.

Nagaland captain Rongsen Jonathan then took the mettle in his own hands and snared four Vidarbha wickets starting from the scalp of rival captain Wadkar. Jonathan spun the ball enough to find a gap between Wadkar’s bat and pad to disturb his stumps in the 122nd over. 

Vidarbha lost another in Darshan Nalkande in Jonathan’s next over with the scoreboard reading 432-7. Dubey managed 37 before being trapped in front by Saurav Kumar. Vidarbha tailenders Nachiket Bhute and Praful Hinge, the two bowling partners, threw their bats to put up an important 28 runs for the last wicket to take Vidarbha’s score to 463.

Vidarbha then reduced Nagaland to 81 for 3 with Nalkande getting Sedezhalie Rupero (6) caught by Praful Hinge. 

Rekhade trapped Yugandhar Singh (11) in front and then Hinge got Nagaland captain Jonathan (4) cheaply.

Mokhade, 148 and counting ...

Special Correspondent

October 16, 2025

VIDARBHA opener Aman Mokhade grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he hit an unbeaten century (148*) on opening day of their Ranji Trophy against lowly Nagaland on Wednesday.

The Centre of Excellence ground at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru was lit up with fine display of batting from 24-year-old Mokhade who batted for the whole day building partnerships with his colleagues to take Vidarbha’s score to 302-3 at stumps.

Mokhade has been so far a replacement player in his nascent career, either filling the position for Karun Nair or Danish Malewar last season. But he did not disappoint.

He showed hunger in the Irani Cup which Vidarbha won. Though he did not score big, his compact style of play at the top of the order impressed the three wise men and the coach to give him another opportunity.

Injury to Danish Malewar opened gates for Mokhade and the right-handed batter showed his class with a classy maiden First-Class century. His undefeated knock of 148 is so far laced with 13 boundaries from 261 deliveries.

He not only carried his bat through but also stitched partnerships which showed his ability to rotate strike.

Opening the innings, Mokhade and Atharva Taide (18) made a decent start putting up 48 runs before the latter was sent back by Saurav caught by Chetan Bist in the 19th over. 

Mokhade then added two over 100 runs partnerships which helped Vidarbha take a position of strength.

Mokhade and professional Dhruv Shorey (64) first put up 104 runs for the third wicket as Vidarbha took control of the game. Shorey, too, was looking good but was cleaned up by Tahmeed.

Though newcomer to the side Ravikumar Samarth (3), coming in at Number 4, could not make much of an impact, Mokhade and left-handed Yash Rathod made sure there was no more dent to their innings as they added an unconquered 143 runs partnership for the fourth wicket from 223 deliveries.

Rathod, who had hit a fine 91 in Irani Cup, was batting on 66 from 104 deliveries with five boundaries and a six.

With seven wickets intact and two well-set batters in the middle, Vidarbha will aim to bat Nagaland out with a huge first innings score. Mokhade, on the other hand, would aim to go for a double while Rathod will look for a chance of scoring his eighth First-Class century.

Champs Vidarbha start afresh

 

Special Correspondent

October 15, 2025

IT WILL be a fresh Ranji Trophy season and Vidarbha will enter the field with the tag of defending and three-time champions. The intensity will be at its highest when they open their campaign with an away game against Nagaland at Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru from Wednesday.

The match was originally scheduled for Sovima in Nagaland but was shifted to Bengaluru.

Vidarbha are placed in Elite Group A along with Tamil Nadu, Baroda, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Nagaland and Andhra. The tournament will be held in two phases. The first phase will start from Wednesday and end on November 19. The second phase will commence from January 22, 2026 and conclude on February 26 with the mega final. High on confidence Vidarbha will try to go the distance once again.

The Akshay Wadkar-led side clinched the Ranji Trophy for the third time in March defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead at VCA Jamtha Stadium. To cap it all, they then emerged as the best team of the country by claiming Irani Cup last month at the same venue. But all those heroics of last season will come to a nought when they take fresh guard on Wednesday at the venue most of the players are familiar with. 

“We want to start strong. An outright win in the opening game would set the tone of the tournament for us,” said skipper Wadkar while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ from Bengaluru.

“Even though we would be playing Nagaland who were promoted from Plate Group, we won’t take them lightly. The positive for us is that some of us have played at this venue during the Duleep Trophy and knows the condition well. But we won’t get complacent and will try to win the game session by session,” explained Wadkar about team’s game plan.

At least six of Vidarbha players have played at the venue during the Duleep Trophy while representing Central Zone. To add to it, Vidarbha coach Usman Ghani, also coached the title winning Central Zone team and knows a thing or two about the CoE pitch. Vidarbha will have to be on their toes for the next five months aiming to extend their dominance in the premier domestic First-Class tournament of the country.

The selectors reposed faith in the bunch which won the Irani Cup. While Danish Malewar was ruled out due to shoulder injury, there is only one addition to the squad in Ravikumar Samarth, the professional who signed the dotted lines last month. 

The Karnataka player, who played for Uttarakhand last season, will replace Karun Nair in Vidarbha set-up.

His inclusion will bolster the top middle-order. The batters are in a rich form with left-handed opener Atharva Taide, bubbling with confidence after his 143 against Rest of India. Another southpaw, Taide’s club-mate, Yash Rathod, last season’s highest scorer, too, has showed his prowess and will love to continue in the same vein. The last Ranji season’s highest runs scorer, hit a fluent 94 in Vidarbha’s Irani Cup win over Rest of India. In Duleep Trophy, Rathod was the second highest scorer with 374 runs and will take that confidence going into the opening game. The line-up also has professional Dhruv Shorey, Aman Mokhade and captain Akshay Wadkar who will man the middle order.

The bowling unit will be spearheaded by spinner and last Ranji season’s highest wicket-taker of the tournament Harsh Dubey. He will have another dangerous spinner in Parth Rekhade. The pace department will be handled by Aditya Thakare, Yash Thakur and Darshan Nalkande with Praful Hinge and Nachiket Bhute always ready to step in when the need arises. 

Nagaland, one of the weakest sides of Elite Group A, will hope their batters Dega Nischal, Hem Chetri and Sedezhalie Rupero and all-rounders Dip Borah, Imliwati Lemtur and Rongsen Jonathan put up some runs on the board against a quality bowling attack. Their bowling department will have Nzanthung Mozhui, Ronit More, Tahmeed Rahman and Vino Zhimomi.

This might be a cake-walk for the defending champions Vidarbha but the Usman Ghani-coached team won’t take their opponents lightly.

They have a simple plan: to register outright wins and top the group.

Vidarbha squad: Akshay Wadkar (Captain & WK), Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Danish Malewar, Yash Rathod (Vice-Captain), Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Aditya Thakare, Yash Kadam, Shivam Deshmukh (WK), Praful Hinge, Akshay Karnewar, Dhruv Shorey, R Samarth.

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Danish Malewar out for three weeks

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 15, 2025

VIDARBHA were dealt with a blow before the start of their Ranji season with in-form batter Danish Malewar being ruled out due to injury.

Malewar was initially named in the 17-member squad led by Akshay Wadkar but could not board the flight due to a shoulder injury.

“He did not join the team due to shoulder injury. I don’t know when he got injured but it has been informed that he will be out for three weeks,” Wadkar told ‘The Hitavada’.

Malewar was in explosive form during the Duleep Trophy amassing 352 runs. Playing for Central Zone, Malewar slammed 203 in the first match against North East Zone. In the next match against West, the right-handed batter hit a fine 76 and then cracked another half century (53) against South in the final.

“But our team is ready for the new season and all are fit for the opening game. Professional Ravikumar Samarth has joined the team and has been given a task. We are confident that all will give their 100 per cent,” said Wadkar.

Dubey is Domestic Cricketer of the Year

Special Correspondent

October 8, 2025

VIDARBHA and India A spinner Harsh Dubey has added another feather to his cap by winning the Domestic Cricketer of the Year award during the annual CEAT Cricket Ratings awards function that was held in Mumbai.

Dubey also took a selfie with legendary India batter and commentator Sunil Gavaskar on the awards night which was attended by top Indian cricketers including Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, to name a few.

The left-arm spinner from Nagpur has been in a roseate of form in the last 12 months. 

He became the highest wicket-taker in a season in Ranji Trophy history with 69 scalps. Add to that Dubey, who wants to be called as a ‘batting all-rounder’ scored 476 runs. His heroics with the ball and bat helped Vidarbha claim their third Ranji title in March this year. Dubey has been in tremendous form and has been the ‘go to man’ for his captain Akshay Wadkar.

The award shows his gentle rise in Indian domestic cricket. Dubey was also picked as a replacement for R Smaran by Sunrisers Hyderabad after he had went unsold in the auction.

The 22-year-old spinner made an immediate impact taking five wickets from three games he played including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli.

Dubey was also part of the India A squad which toured England and then played against Australia A last month.

A few days ago, Dubey snared six wickets in a match as Vidarbha thrashed Rest of India by 93 runs to clinch their third Irani Cup.

Dubey is in scheme of things of India selectors and is inching closer to fulfilling his dream of playing for the senior Indian team.

BEST OF INDIA

 Ranji champions Vidarbha beat Rest of India by 93 runs to clinch Irani Cup in style

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 5, 2025

THREE times Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha annexed their third Irani Cup on Sunday with an emphatic win over Rest of India.

The Akshay Wadkar-led side thrashed Rest of India by 93 runs to lay their hands on the coveted trophy here at Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Jamtha Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 361, Rest of India were all out for 267, minutes before tea break, making it Vidarbha’s best-ever Irani Cup victory with an outright win.

Vidarbha last won back-to-back Irani Cup trophies in 2017-18 and 20-18-19 seasons under the leadership of now retired Faiz Fazal. They won their maiden trophy against the Karun Nair-led Rest of India on the basis of first innings lead and then retained the title against Ajinkya Rahane’s side, again on the basis of first innings lead at the same venue.

The third title was in sight on the fourth day itself when Vidarbha gave a mammoth target of 361 runs and then reduced Rest of India to 30-2 at the end of the day. 

Rest of India needed to show their batting skills but barring Yash Dhull (92) and Manav Suthar (56*), there was hardly any notable performance. There was a phase when Dhull had two fruitful partnerships for the sixth and seventh wickets, first with Saransh Jain (29) of 53 runs and then with Suthar of 104 runs which frustrated the home team but the target was too steep to be achieved. Vidarbha desperately needed a breakthrough as Dhull and Suthar batted for nearly two hours (117 minutes) and were looking dangerous. 

In came pacer Yash Thakur who did the job for the hosts igniting a wild celebration. He fired in a short delivery and Dhull went for an upper cut only to see Atharva Taide grabbing the ‘match-winning’ catch inches inside from the boundary rope. 

The dismissal was followed by Thakur and Dhull nearly coming to exchanging blows after the former had given the batter a rather rude send-off. Both the umpires and Vidarbha players calmed things separating the two.

The very next delivery, Thakur darted in another peach of a delivery finding new man Anshul Kamboj’s (0) furniture disturbed.

Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 30-2 Rest of India lost captain Rajat Patidar (10) in the fifth over of the morning, returning a simple catch to Aditya Thakare.

Darshan Nalkande, who scored a valuable 35 runs on the fourth day, forced another star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad (7) to nick one behind to wicketkeeper Wadkar in his fourth over of the day. Harsh Dubey, last season highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy with 69 scalps, then got Ishan Kishan (35) who went for a shot over mid-wicket only to find Parth Rekhade collecting an easy catch. The inevitable was delayed by Jain and Dhull who stitched a half-century partnership from 66 deliveries but Rekhade spun his delivery enough to trap the former in front in the 37th over. The batter went for review but the decision went in Vidarbha’s favour. Dhull meanwhile, continued to hold one end with his gritty batting and along with Suthar took their side near the target. His threatening knock from 117 deliveries had eight boundaries and a six. But his wicket opened the floodgates and Vidarbha cruised home in 73.5 overs.

SCOREBOARD

VIDARBHA 1ST INNINGS 342

REST OF INDIA 1ST INNINGS 214

VIDARBHA 2ND INNINGS 232

REST OF INDIA 2ND INNINGS

(overnight 30-2)

A Easwaran lbw b Dubey 17

A Juyal b Thakare 6

I Kishan c Rekhade b Dubey 35

R Patidar c&b Thakare 10

R Gaikwad c Wadkar b Nalkande 7

Y Dhull c Taide b Thakur 92

S Jain lbw b Rekhade 29

M Suthar Not Out 56

A Kamboj b Thakur 0

A Deep b Dubey 3

G Brar c Taide b Dubey 7

Extras: (lb 1, nb 1, w 3) 5

TOTAL: (All out, 73.5 overs) 267

Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-24, 3-52, 

4-64, 5-80, 6-133, 7-237, 

8-237, 9-249.

Bowling: Dubey 27.5-5-73-4, 

Thakare 11-1-27-2, Rekhade 

18-1-59-1, Thakur 7-1-47-2, 

Nalkande 10-1-60-1.

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Our bowling unit is best in the country: Wadkar

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 5, 2025

THREE-TIME Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup winners Vidarbha took 20 Rest of India wickets which helped them emerge the champion on Sunday at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium and captain Akshay Wadkar praised his young bowling unit saying it is the best in the country.

Vidarbha drubbed star-studded Rest of India by 93 runs to lift their third Irani Cup trophy. 

Captain Wadkar heaped praise on his bowlers and said, “I think Vidarbha’s bowling unit is the best in the country. I have confidence in all my bowlers. If the target is of 200 runs, I am sure that my bowlers would destroy opponent team inside 150 runs.”

Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey took six wickets each in the match while Aditya Thakare and Parth Rekhade took three each. Darshan Nalkande chipped in with two wickets, one in each innings.

Wadkar was over the moon winning the title for the third time, twice as a player and now as the captain of the side and said that all the three wins have different level of satisfaction. 

Wadkar was part of the maiden Irani Cup win under Faiz Fazal in 2017-18 and again in 2018-19. When asked as to which one was more satisfying, the soft-spoken wicketkeeper-batter said, “every title win has a different level of satisfaction. When we won the first Irani Cup, it was a learning process for me, obviously I am still learning... But this time the responsibility was on my shoulder as I was playing with my juniors. It was my responsibility as a captain to guide all my team-mates.”

The previous two title wins came with stalwarts including Wasim Jaffer, R Satish, Faiz but this win came with most of the juniors in the squad and Wadkar lauded his brigade. “This is a very young team and the boys are quick learners. They enjoy learning new things and give their heart out while on the field,” he said.

On the first innings total, Wadkar felt that it was a bit less. “I think we could have scored 400 plus runs but cricket is  game of glorious uncertainties. We don’t get what we want. In final, or in any big match, whatever runs you put on the board it is not enough. The thing is whatever runs your team has scored, you have to learn to defend that total,” stated Wadkar.

The Vidarbha skipper also lauded Atharva Taide’s innings. “He grind well after those three chances he got. He played a great innings. He took time to take team to a decent total,” Wadkar concluded.

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We’ll be a good challenge in new season, says Ghani

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 5, 2025

VIDARBHA coach Usman Ghani is on a title-winning spree. His title-clinching act started with Ranji Trophy, moved to lifting Duleep Trophy for Central Zone and ended with Irani Cup with Vidarbha. 

Of the three, the Irani Cup still hold its significance for Vidarbha and Ghani said they desperately wanted this one.

“Very much, very much (its significant) because it shows that when one wins Ranji Trophy, it is not a fluke. So, it shows that our team is a good side and for the coming season, we are going to be a good challenge to all our opponents. So, Irani proves a lot that still we are there in the reckoning for the next season.”

Ghani said that the six months between Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy was preparation time for the team. “When the Ranji Trophy ends, we start preparing for the next year. Our planning starts from the moment the season ends, we start planning regarding our boys and our matches and this is how we go,” explained Ghani.

The coach said the support staff has worked hard on Atharva Taide when he was out of form.

“Last year, he didn’t get the final. Unfortunately, we had to drop him because he was not scoring runs and he was not fulfilling his role. So, the moment the season ended, we started working on him. He is a very competitive guy and he gave his 100%. We worked on his technique,” he stated.

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Thakur changed the game for us: Taide

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 5, 2025

Vidarbha opener Atharva Taide, who scored the only century of the Irani Cup match which his side won by beating Rest of India by 93 runs credited Yash Thakur for changing the complexion of the match by taking the wicket of Yash Dhull.

“The game was really in the balance at that time and Yash (Dhull) was really playing well at that time. But Yash Thakur came and changed the game for us,” said Taide, who was named player of the match.

Dhull scored a brilliant 92 and had a couple of good partnerships which threatened the hosts. But Taide took his catch on the boundary line which tilted the match in Vidarbha’s favour.

On his own performance in the match after not so good last season, Taide said, “Last season did not went as I expected but this season I prepared (myself) very well. I have prepared myself for my team and....starting the season with the Irani Cup Trophy in the bag...won’t have been a better start to the season.

“This performance is for all those who backed me, my coach, my team, selectors and everybody,” Taide mentioned.

Taide got three lives in the first innings of the match and he capitalised on that hitting a fine 143. “That’s what I have learnt from playing First Class cricket in these many years. You have to score runs on the day when you are not timing the ball well, when you are not in the best shape. In earlier innings, I was feeling well and I was timing the ball well so... I learnt that I have to grind well and have to wait for the chance. In this match (after three lives) when I got the chances I capitalise.”

Taide and his club-mate Yash Rathod (91) added 184 runs for fourth wicket which helped Vidarbha post 342 in first innings. Taide praised his partner for easing the pressure.

“Once Rathod came in, he timed the ball well and that helped me play at my pace. He took the pressure from me and was rotating the strike well. That really helped me,” said Taide.

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Vidarbha deserved this win, says Patidar

October 5, 2025

By Paritosh Pramanik

Rest of India captain rued missing the opportunity and gave full credit to Vidarbha team for winning the Irani Cup.

“I think Vidarbha played really well and deserved to win this trophy. In first inning, they grabbed the opportunity. Yash (Rathod) and (Atharva) Taide batted really well. I think their partnership made a huge difference,” said Patidar after the match.

Patidar felt that restricting Vidarbha at 342 in the first innings was good but his batters could not take the capitalise. “I think it was enough (342) as we have that kind of ability and that kind of players to score around 400-500 runs on this track. But I think today we were not...I think they played better cricket than us,” Patidar said.

Patidar was not happy with the way they batted in the first innings where they were bundled out for 214.

“If we have applied ourselves in a good way, by assessing the condition and assessing the wicket I think we could have been close to the total,” he concluded.

Vidarbha lift Irani Cup

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 5, 2025

Vidarbha have made it a habit of winning Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup every time they lift country’s premier domestic State championship.

The three-time Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha defeated Rest of India by a comfortable 97-run margin to clinch their third Irani Cup here at Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Jamtha Stadium on Sunday.

It was a clinical performance from the Akshay Wadkar-led side who dominated all five days of the encounter. 

They posted 342 runs in the first innings thanks to a fine century by left-handed opener Athrava Taide (143) and 91 from southpaw Yash Rathod. Vidarbha bowlers then restricted Rest of India at 214 with Yash Thakur snaring four wickets while spinners Harsh Dubey and Parth  Rekhade chipping in with two each. 

In their second innings, Vidarbha added 232 to give Rest of India a target of 361. Yash Dhull tried his best with a fighting 92 but Vidarbha bowlers struck back with precision. 

Left-arm spinner Dubey spun his web taking four scalps on a detonating fifth day track while pacers Aditya Thakare and Thakur grabbed two each to bundle out Rest of India at 267.

On Cusp of Glory

Vidarbha need eight wickets to win third Irani Cup

Chasing mammoth 361, Rest of India are 30-2

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 4, 2025

VIDARBHA captain wicketkeeper-batter Akshay Wadkar (36) and birthday-boy Darshan Nalkande (35) blunted the Rest of India’s bowling attack with gritty batting and took their side closer to title on the fourth day of their Irani Cup match on Saturday here at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium. 

Wadkar played the rescue act along with the taienders as Vidarbha’s last three batters put up an important 77 runs to take the match away from Rest of India. Despite a middle order-collapse in the morning, Vidarbha managed to score 232 in the second innings giving an imposing target of 360 to Rest of India. The Rajat Patidar-led side knocked off 30 runs but lost both its openers in 12 overs when the stumps were drawn for the day due to bad light. 

They still need another 331 for an outright win while Vidarbha need eight wickets to clinch their third Irani Cup.

Rest of India would have been in deep trouble had Danish Malewar not spilled three chances. He first dropped Abhimanyu Easwaran on successive deliveries at slips in the first over of the innings bowled by Harsh Dubey and in the next over failed to gather another one off Aditya Thakare, again in slips.

Still, Vidarbha ended the day taking the wickets of Aryan Juyal who was cleaned up by Aditya Thakare and Abhimanyu Easwaran who was trapped in front by Dubey. 

Earlier, Wadkar played a captain’s knock of 36 runs from 125 deliveries. He first bailed out his side from a precarious 105-5 and then added crucial runs with lower-order batters to take the team to a respectable total.

Wadkar lowered his guard and batted with patience to take the team’s total lead cross 300-run mark. Nalkande, who turned 27 on Saturday, showed immense maturity while batting lower down the order scoring an important 35 runs which assisted Ranji champions Vidarbha swell the lead to 359.

Resuming at an overnight score of 96 for two, with a handy overall lead of 224, Vidarbha lost Danish Malewar (16), Yash Rathod (5) and Dhruv Shorey (27) in first 30 minutes and 28 deliveries. Staying put in the middle was the need of the hour and Wadkar did the same with Harsh Dubey (29). The run flow dried from one end but Dubey, occasionally hit boundaries (3) and a couple of sixes to stretch Vidarbha’s lead.

However, while going for an upper cut shot, Dubey fell victim to Gurnoor Brar’s short pitched delivery giving an easy catch to Saransh Jain at third man boundary. The two added crucial 39 runs for the sixth wicket. Meanwhile, Wadkar continued to frustrate Rest of India bowlers playing a ‘dead bat’. Nalkande joined Wadkar in the middle and the two added 35 runs for the eighth wicket. 

Rest of India immediately took the new ball and Anshul Kamboj gave the breakthrough in Wadkar’s scalp. The Vidarbha captain chased a delivery, trying to slash it and ended up giving a simple catch to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan. 

In RoI second essay, Vidarbha bowlers were right on the money but for Malewar who had a bad day in slips. But lanky pacer Thakare gave Vidarbha breakthrough with the wicket of Aryan Juyal off a beautiful delivery which moved enough to miss the batter’s bat and rattled the stumps.

Dubey then trapped Yash Dhull in front to give Vidarbha second wicket. With the final day pitch crumbling, it would be just a matter of time for Vidarbha to lift their third Irani Cup on Sunday.

It’s advantage Vidarbha

 Yash Thakur snares four as hosts take lead over Rest of India 

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 3, 2025

VIDARBHA needed to showcase their best talent in the Irani Cup which, many still feel, is the launch-pad to make a comeback for a few, and a stepping stone to graduate to the India squad. It is one of the platforms, where 

performance is taken into consideration. 

Grabbing the opportunity, 26-year-old Vidarbha pacer Yash Thakur (4-66), impressed all with his pace and accuracy, helping the Ranji Trophy champions take an important first innings lead on the third day of Irani Cup match here at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium.

Thakur’s four wickets, three of which came on the third day at an economy rate of 3.92, broke Rest of India’s back as they were bundled out for 214 in the morning, giving Vidarbha a 128-run first innings lead. When bad light stopped play an over after tea, and no play was possible after that, the overall lead was swelled further to 224 with Vidarbha adding 96-2 in their second essay to take the driver’s seat.

Dhruv Shorey (24*) and Danish Malewar (16*) were the two unbeaten Vidarbha batters.

The two-time Irani Cup champions Vidarbha posted 342 in their first innings and then reduced Rest of India to 142-5 on the second evening (Thursday). They then took just over one-and-a-half-hour to clean up the remaining five batters on Friday; despite captain Rajat Patidar’s fighting 66.

It was a perfect start for Vidarbha on the third morning with seamer Aditya Thakare trapping overnight batter Manav Suthar (1) on the first ball of the day. Thakur then took the mettle forcing an early finish of Rest of India’s innings. 

He cleaned up Saransh Jain with a toe-crushing yorker and then got the wicket of Akash Deep (10) who was throwing his bat to collect quick runs. 

A well-targetted short of length delivery to Deep was ballooned towards Atharva Taide who ran in a few yards from covers to 

grab it.

Patidar was left stranded at the other end as wickets fell around him. He did manage to add a half century to his CV, but premier Vidarbha spinner Harsh Dubey, who has a knack of getting ‘big fish’, forced the batter to go for a huge heave. Patidar miscued it and Yash Rathod grabbed it at the long off region. Their innings folded at 214 with the wicket of Gurnoor Brar giving Thakur his fourth scalp.

Vidarbha started well in the second essay but Taide looked in a hurry as he stepped out only to give a simple catch to Deep off Suthar. Aman Mokhade once again showed his compact batting skills. 

But the talented opener, who is playing only his eighth First-Class match, failed to fully connect a short-pitched delivery and got a faint edge off Brar. Dhruv Shorey (24*) and Danish Malewar (16*) then took the lead to 224 runs. 

Left’s right for Vidarbha

Southpaws Taide (118*), Rathod (91) guide Ranji champions to 280-5 on Day 1 against Rest of India

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 1, 2025

VIDARBHA were saved by two left-handers. Opener Atharva Taide (118*) and his club-mate since age-group days middle-order bat Yash Rathod (91), both southpaws, batted with calm, composure and command to lift Vidarbha from a precarious position on opening day of their Irani Cup match here at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium on Wednesday.

Taide made most of the reprieves he got in the morning while Rathod continued his roseate form as the duo helped Vidarbha reach a respectable total after captain Akshay Wadkar decided to bat first. The two added crucial 184 runs for the fourth wicket to help Ranji champions Vidarbha reach 280 for 5 at stumps. Taide and night-watchman Yash Thakur (4) were at the crease at the end of day’s play.

Taide, who was dropped thrice in the morning, twice by butter-fingered wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan and once by Abhimanyu Easwaran at slips, apart from being bowled (first ball) off a no ball, showed maturity in his batting, hitting a morale boosting century ahead of the new Ranji season.

Taide was ignored for the Ranji Trophy final against Kerala after scoring 4 and 0 against Mumbai in the semis. The left-handed batter worked hard during the off season to regain his form. 

“I have been working hard on my batting but for couple of seasons its not working out. I am not doing anything different. I am believing in myself. I don’t let frustration creep in. I try to keep myself calm,” Taide told ‘The Hitavada’ after his unbeaten knock.

It wasn’t an easy start for Taide who found it a bit difficult to bat on in the morning. He was bowled first ball by pacer Akash Deep only to see the bowler over stepping the line.

There were a few mishits and some edges as he tried to build his innings. His struggle and two wickets (Dhruv Shorey and Danish Malewar) in space of two deliveries by left-arm spinner Manav Suthar put Vidarbha under immense pressure. 

In came Rathod and the two started the repair job. With Rathod at the other end, Taide got relieved. He knew what Rathod was capable of. Rathod’s presence gave him time to adjust under the bright sun.

As the day progressed, the wicket eased out. Rathod took the mettle to score quick runs while Taide found gaps to hit occasional boundaries. 

“We did not talk much in the middle. We both know each other since our age group days. We have played a lot together. Yash knows how to pace the innings. That helped me in my batting. With him scoring bulk of runs, my pressure was released,” said Taide of their 184 runs stand for the fourth wicket which resurrected Vidarbha’s innings.

The two left-handed batters made light work of Rest of India’s bowling. Taide was in no hurry while Rathod, who scored 374 runs in Duleep Trophy for champions Central Zone, found easy gaps cutting the bowlers comfortably. 

Rathod, Ranji Trophy’s highest scorer with 960 runs, picked up occasional boundaries. Rest of India’s bowlers’ shoulders dropped as the two 25-year-olds swelled their partnership. 

The Vidarbha opener completed his century with a long-on six off Suthar in the 67th over.

Rathod moved into 90s with a six over long-on off the same bowler but threw his wicket very next delivery going for another big heave giving a simple catch to Gurnoor Brar.

Rest of India took the new ball immediately and Akash Deep gave them breakthrough forcing Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar (5) poke one behind to Kishan. But Taide stood firm till the end of the day and will come back on the morrow fresh for another big one.

“We want to bat as long as we can tomorrow. The wicket has eased out. There’s no set total but we want to bat long and see where we (total) reach,” Taide said.

For Rest of India southpaw Suthar was the most successful bowler with three wickets while Akash Deep, making return to competitive cricket after an injury lay-off, took two.

Vidarbha aim to be Best of India

Take on Rest of India in Irani Cup match at Jamtha

By Paritosh Pramanik

October 1, 2025

DEFENDING Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha will aim to extend their supremacy in domestic cricket when they take on Rest of India in the season opener Irani Cup match at Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Jamtha Stadium from Wednesday.

The Akshay Wadkar-led side, which won their third Ranji title in March at the same venue defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead, will be eager to start on a positive note ahead of the new domestic season.

The Rest of India will be led by experienced and seasoned leader Madhya Pradesh’s Rajat Patidar. 

Patidar is on a roll while leading sides. He has helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift their maiden IPL title and then escorted Central Zone clinch the Duleep Trophy a few weeks ago.

But facing Vidarbha will be all-together different challenge for Patidar as Vidarbha cricketers are high on confidence and have enough matches under their belts after the Ranji title victory. 

As many as seven cricketers were part of the title winning Central Zone team while the remaining had a good outing in the Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy in Bengaluru a few days ago. To top it all, last Ranji season’s highest wicket-taker 

spinner Harsh Dubey (with 69 scalps) and Yash Thakur have gained a lot of experience while representing India A against Australia A.  Vidarbha have match winning batters in Vice-Captain Yash Rathod and Danish Malewar who both showed their batting prowess in Duleep Trophy. Professional Dhruv Shorey, with 4885 First-Class runs under his belt will man the top order along with Atharva Taide (1825) while captain Wadkar (3905) will be an important cog in the middle order. 

The bowling department will be spearheaded by pacer Aditya Thakare who has 112 wickets in his bag followed by Dubey with 111 First-Class scalps till date. 

Rest of India, too, have some of the top cricketers with Patidar leading from the front. The batter starred for Central Zone slamming two centuries and as many fifties in five innings. His deputy Ruturaj Gaikwad, though skipped the nets session on Tuesday but will be fit to take the field on the morrow and would look to impressing the selectors for the red-ball season ahead.

Ishan Kishan, seamers Khaleel Ahmed and Akash Deep, spinners Tanush Kotian, Saransh Jain are some others in what looks like a strong squad on paper.

All in all Vidarbha hold the edge here at Jamtha Stadium as they have won Irani Cup twice, first in 2017-18 season and then defended the title next year (2018-19).

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It’s going to be a challenging match, says Patidar

By Paritosh Pramanik

Rest of India captain heaped praise on Vidarbha team and said the hosts have several match-winning performers and admitted that it will be a challenging encounter.

“It’s going to be a challenging match. Vidarbha have been an excellent red-ball team and have several experienced players. I’ve played with some of them in the Duleep Trophy, so I know the quality they bring. It won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

Patidar refused to buy the theory of Vidarbha having home advantage and said his experienced side has players who have played all over the country.

“I don’t look at it as an advantage or disadvantage. Yes, they know the conditions better, but players in the Rest of India team have played all over the country and understand different pitches well. So, I don’t think it will be a major factor,” Patidar signed off.

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Our only objective is to win the match: Wadkar

By Paritosh Pramanik

Having won the Ranji title with aplomb, Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar wants to extend his side’s dominance with victory in the one-off Irani Cup match starting Wednesday.

Wicketkeeper-batter Wadkar enthused confidence during the pre-match presser and said his side is better prepared as compared to Rest of India and they have only one aim, to win the match.

“The only objective is to win the match. That’s going to be the mindset. Our batting group is in form. Danish, Yash and Dhruv are in very good nick and Harsh and Yash Thakur have arrived from India A responsibilities. I am confident it will be a good match,” said Wadkar.

The Vidarbha skipper said that his side is much better prepared and Rest of India will need time to find right combination.

“Our team-bonding is far better than Rest of India’s since they have grouped from various states of India. It will obviously take some time for them to work out the combinations. We have a slight advantage in this regard,” he pointed out.

Wadkar said Vidarbha will definitely have the advantage while going into the match. 

“We have been playing on this very ground for a while now and know these conditions for years. We have played last season’s Ranji matches against Gujarat, Mumbai, Kerala... so we are used to this environment. We will obviously enjoy 

the home advantage in that regard,” the Vidarbha captain concluded.

TEAMS: Vidarbha: Akshay Wadkar (C & WK), Yash Rathod (VC), Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Danish Malewar, Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Aditya Thakare, Akshay Karnewar, Yash Kadam, Shivam Deshmukh (WK), Praful Hinge, Dhruv Shorey.

Rest of India: Rajat Patidar (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain.

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