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.