Vidarbha start with a 6

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 14, 2026

ON THE eve of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A opener, Vidarbha coach Usman Ghani had said the team would go for an outright victory but before that they will have to take the first innings lead. 

“Yes, we want to start with outright win. but first thing first....we want to take first innings lead and then see how we can register outright win,” Ghani had told ‘The Hitavada’ 

The team did the same. After taking 115 runs first innings lead, Vidarbha spinners spun their web as they bundled out Pondicherry for 130 runs in their second innings to record a thumping 160 runs victory and start their campaign on a winning note here at VCA Jamtha Stadium. Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar, who hit a career-best 198, was declared player of the match. 

Vidarbha next play defending champions Jammu and Kashmir at Srinagar from October 18.

Three-times Ranji champions Vidarbha gave a 290 runs target to Pondicherry after they declared their second innings at 175-3 just 19 minutes before lunch on the fourth day. Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade took six wickets each in the match while part-timer Aman Mokhade snared five as the slow bowlers took 17 out of 22 Pondicherry wickets to falls.

India spinner Dubey immediately gave the breakthrough taking two wickets in team’s second and his first over.

While Dubey ended with four scalps, it was part-timer Aman Mokhade who delivered with his slow deliveries on time.

There were some good catching as well as Dhruv Shorey and Nachiket Bhute threw their bodies to take diving catches. While Shorey got Mohit Kale, who returned to bat after getting retired hurt and Bhute grabbed wicketkeeper Prasad Pawar who was batting strong on 48.

Parth Rekhade, who got the wicket of rival captain Neyan Kangayan earlier in the day, cleaned up the tail taking wickets of Gaurav Yadav and Vijai Raja.

Earlier, Resuming at 22-1 on the final day, Vidarbha scored at a brisk rate with Aman Mokhade (65) and Dhruv Shorey (69) adding 122 runs for the third wicket.

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Wadkar, Dubey achieve personal milestones

Vidarbha’s thumping 160 runs win over Pondicherry also saw a couple of records made on the final day of the Ranji Trophy Group ‘A’ match here at Jamtha Stadium.

Akshay Wadkar became the most successful captain of Vidarbha in terms of outright wins recorded in Ranji Trophy.

The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Wadkar registered 21st outright victory as a captain on Wednesday.

The previous best was by former Ranji Trophy captain Faiz Fazal who had 20 outright wins under his belt. Former spinner Pritam Gandhe had recorded nine outright wins.

From 29 matches as captain, Wadkar has two draws and two defeats. This is his sixth season as Vidarbha captain. He has so far played 69 First-Class matches.

Another Vidarbha player southpaw Harsh Dubey achieved a personal milestone by claiming 150th wicket in First-Class cricket. The wicket of Pondicherry vice-captain Aman Khan was Dubey’s 150th scalp. This season, left-arm orthodox Dubey has taken 14 wickets from two First-Class matches.

He snared eight wickets for Central Zone during the Duleep Trophy semi-final against East Zone and against Pondicherry in Nagpur, he took six wickets in the match forcing India selectors to take note of his performance.

Pondicherry frustrate Vidarbha but spinners help hosts take lead

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 14, 2026

NAGPUR

PRIOR to this match, Aman Mokhade had only one wicket against his name in 18 First-Class matches he has played till date. But on Tuesday, the Vidarbha opener and part-time spinner made sure his ‘wickets taken’ column also got noticed as he snared three Pondicherry wickets on the third day of their Elite Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy match here at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium.

Resuming at an overnight score of 107-1 against Vidarbha’s 428, Pondicherry showed courage with a couple of partnerships down the order to post 313, conceding first innings by just 115 runs.

The rear guard resistance from former Vidarbha cricketer Mohit Kale (78) frustrated Vidarbha camp. Two partnerships, first between Kale and Sagar Udeshi of 48 runs for the eighth wicket and then between Kale and Vijai Raja of 43 runs for the last wicket denied Vidarbha an upper hand. The two partnerships consumed 118 crucial minutes which would have been beneficial for Vidarbha while batting in the second innings.

At stumps, Vidarbha were 22 for one with an overall lead of 137. Aman Mokhade (15) and Harsh Dubey (0) were at the crease after Vidarbha lost opener R Samarth (7) on the penultimate over of the day.

Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar was on the coin when he predicted that spinners would get purchase from the turning track. Harsh Dubey (35-8-79-2), Parth Rekhade (26.5-5-64-3) and Mokhade (11-1-35-3) shared the bulk of wickets.

Pondicherry’s overnight batters Ritesh Gudge (95) and Nikhil Gangta continued to frustrate Vidarbha bowlers in the morning. But after an hour of play, the hosts managed to get the breakthrough when Gangta’s furniture was disturbed by Rekhade’s arm delivery. Gudge and Gangta added 145 runs for the second wicket. His departure brought in former Vidarbha player Kale at the crease but the third wicket pair could not add much to their total as debutant Gudke’s innings was cut short by Dubey at the stroke of lunch. Gudke tried to sweep a delivery but mistimed it only to give a simple catch to R Samarth at short mid-wicket.

Post lunch, Mokhade rolled his golden arm and got the wickets of wicketkeeper Prasad Pawar (10), Aman Khan (1) and Ankit Sharma (6) in quick succession. In between, pacer Darshan Nalkande cleaned up Sagar Trivedi as Pondicherry lost four wickets in 37 minutes adding only 20 runs.

Kale batted with purpose even though he kept losing partners from the other end. He completed his fighting half century from 101 deliveries.

With only one wicket remaining in Vijai Raja, Kale took most of the strike to take their total closer to Vidarbha’s 428.

The last wicket pair added 48 runs from 78 balls before Kale finally perished giving Rekhade his third wicket.

CAPTAIN WADKAR HITS CAREER-BEST 198

Vidarbha post huge 428 against Pondicherry

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Oct 13

A CRESTFALLEN Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar threw his head in disbelief. He knocked his bat onto his helmet and made a long, slow stroll back to the pavilion even as Pondicherry players patted his back. Just one mistake in his 509 minutes stay in the middle while batting proved costly as the skipper missed a well-deserved maiden double century by just two runs on Day Two of their Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match here at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium. 

The Vidarbha dressing room was ready to celebrate its captain’s landmark innings, the shutterbugs had loaded their mobile cameras zooming in towards Wadkar. But as the Vidarbha captain missed that sweep shot and the ball brushed his pads all went numb seeing the umpire raising his dreaded finger. Their hearts might have missed a beat watching Wadkar controlling his emotions, walking back.

Riding on Wadkar’s 198, his career’s best score, and Yash Rathod’s 134, Vidarbha posted a huge 428 from 129.4 overs in their first innings.

At stumps, Pondicherry were 107 for 1, still trailing by 321 runs.

Debutant Ritesh Gudge completed his half century and was batting strongly on 59 while veteran Nikhil Gangta was unbeaten on 32. Both the batters negotiated Vidarbha seamers and spinners and added unbeaten 92 runs for the second wicket.

But the day would be remembered for Wadkar’s gritty knock. Wadkar bossed Pondicherry bowlers. He played a perfect anchor’s role stitching another important partnership of 72 runs for the ninth wicket with Parth Rekhade (20) after posting 245 with Rathod earlier in the innings.

In his 363 balls innings, Wadkar showed his aggressive side as well picking 23 boundaries.

He once pulled a bouncer from Vijai Raja towards mid-wicket and in the same over cracked a backfoot punch towards square boundary to race to 192. He reached 197 with another four off the same bowler, this time the ball landing in the deep midwicket region.

But as luck would have it, the wicketkeeper-batter played an unnecessary sweep shot and missed it completely to be trapped leg before giving Pondicherry’s Sagar Udeshi his fourth wicket of the innings.

Wadkar was the last man out as Vidarbha’s innings folded after lunch.

Earlier in the morning, Vidarbha lost Rathod, who could add only three runs to his overnight score of 131. Some quick wickets in next few overs halted the hosts’ run flow. Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute could not contribute much from their bats. In the meantime, captain Wadkar completed 150 runs with a boundary behind the stumps. By lunch, Vidarbha had added another 82 runs losing three wickets after resuming at the overnight score of 300-5. Rekhade and Wadkar frustrated Pondicherry bowlers further before the former was caught out on personal score of 20 runs. With tail wagging, Wadkar tried to achieve the double ton but missed the line completely. The dejected long walk back to pavilion would haunt him for some time.

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Playing that sweep was a mistake, admits Akshay after missing double ton

n By Paritosh Pramanik

HE PLAYED a saviour’s innings once again but Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar lost patience as he could not complete his maiden double century on second day of their Ranji Trophy match against Pondicherry at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium on Monday.

The sweep shot which he missed halted Wadkar’s fine innings.

“I am very happy with this innings. It is my career’s highest score so I am really happy to better my previous score. But yes, I made a mistake. In the entire innings I had defended those deliveries and I should have done the same. We were the last pair, I went for that sweep shot ... I should have played it straight or had gone for a big shot ... but I played a sweep...,” explained Wadkar after the end of day’s play.

Wadkar and Rathod put up a game-saving 245 runs partnership for the sixth wicket and Wadkar said they did not plan anything extraordinary. “We wanted to bat cautiously. We curbed some shots just to rebuild our innings. We wanted to bat through the middle session as during that period runs come easily, that the trend of this ground. Our partnership grew and they (Pondicherry bowlers) started giving us runs. That’s what we wanted,” said the captain of the partnership.

“Our left-right combination also worked because the opponents were unable to set the field and we were running singles and doubles. They had to continuously change the field. It worked for us,” added Wadkar.

On containing Pondicherry on the third day, Wadkar said, “Its just a matter of time. One breakthrough and we will be all over Pondicherry. Scoring runs will become very difficult on this pitch. It will definitely assist spinners from here on and Parth and Harsh would trouble them,” Wadkar signed off.

Wadkar, Rathod slam tons

Captain, vice-captain rescue Vidarbha from 54-5 to 300-5 with an unbeaten 6th-wkt partnership of 246 runs against Pondicherry

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 11, 2026

THE first cup of tea tasted bland in the morning in Vidarbha dressing room when the hosts lost two wickets in first five deliveries of the day. Even before the players were settled in their seats, opener Dhruv Shorey (0) and Darshan Nalkande (0) were sent back by Pondicherry pacer Gaurav Yadav on the opening day of the Elite Group ‘A’ match at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium. 

After over an hour of play, things looked more bleak with Vidarbha staring down the barrel with 54-5 on the board.

However, the script changed from there on when vice-captain Yash Rathod (131*) and captain Akshay Wadkar (112*) once again bailed out Vidarbha with an unbeaten double century stand. They have stitched crucial partnerships on several occasions and on Sunday; the two repeated the stories of 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons with another big partnership to save the hosts from a precarious position.

The Rathod-Wadkar pair put up 246 runs for the sixth wicket to help Vidarbha post 300 for 5 in 85 overs. The two played responsibly and first steadied the rocking ship taking as they took lunch at 102 for five. 

They then continued with their impressive knocks as Vidarbha took tea at 194 without losing any wicket. The two-hour second session saw Vidarbha adding 92 runs. They did not stop there and continued taking Vidarbha’s score to 300 without any further dent. In the process, Rathod completed his 11th First-Class century as he geared up for the India ‘A’ tour of New Zealand. Rathod’s century had 10 boundaries and a six from 130 deliveries. He proved that he is made for big occasions and this knock will give him a ton of confidence when he joins his India ‘A’ team-mates in next few days.

Wadkar, too, scripted his 12th First-Class century few overs later. His knock came from 192 balls and had 12 boundaries which put Vidarbha in a position of strength. 

Rathod and Wadkar have saved Vidarbha on quite a few occasions. During the semi-finals against Madhya Pradesh in 2023-24, the two had added 158 runs for the sixth wicket when Vidarbha were 161-5. Rathod had scored unbeaten 97 while Wadkar had put up 77 in that game.

Then again in the next year’s semis against Mumbai, the two added 91 runs for the fifth wicket when Vidarbha were 56-4 in the second innings. Rathod had scored unbeaten 59 and Wadkar had put up 31 undefeated runs. In the same season against Rajasthan they had put up 94 runs for the sixth wicket to steady Vidarbha’s innings at Jaipur. Wadkar went on to score 102 while Rathod had missed his century by two runs in that match.

The two batters frustrated Pondicherry bowlers including Vijai Raja and Yadav who both took two wickets in the morning.

As the last session approached Rathod started showing his aggressive side. He stepped out to hit a couple of boundaries in the same over of spinner Ritesh Gutke. He also hit a six, only of the day, off Yadav. Wadkar played the captain’s knock, steady and composed. His sixth season as captain of Vidarbha Ranji team has started on a positive note. In 28 matches as skipper, Wadkar has 20 outright victories and six draws. On the first day, his intentions looked clear that the wicketkeeper-batter wants to extend that positive graph.

Spectators, relatives and parents of players occupied stands in front of players’ dressing room. There was a sombre mood in the morning. But when Wadkar and Rathod joined in the middle they cheered every shot, every boundary scored as the mood changed. 

As the shadows lengthened, they shared tea with each other. And this time it tasted sweet with HONEY (Rathod’s nickname)!

Vid take on Pondicherry in opener today

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Oct 11, 2026

THEY missed the knock-outs berth last season due to less number of bonus point as Andhra and Jharkhand moved up in the quarter-finals. 

That heartbreak would be put to rest forever when the three times Ranji champions Vidarbha face Pondicherry in their opening Elite Group ‘A’ encounter here at Vidarbha Cricket Association’s Jamtha Stadium from Sunday.

Vidarbha will be playing three out of four games at home before the white-ball break and they would aim to go all guns blazing from October 11. The Akshay Wadkar-led side will aim for outright wins starting with Pondicherry. They will then move to Srinagar for their second game against defending champions Jammu and Kashmir (Oct 18-21) and then will return home for their clashes against Goa (Oct 26-29) and Madhya Pradesh (Nov 2-5).

Vidarbha look a well-balanced side with at least five players returning after India ‘A’ duties. All of them would aim to materialise that ‘A’ exposure into substance when they take the field.

The team played Thimmappiah Trophy in Bengaluru last month and fine-tuned their skills.

On the eve of the opener, Vidarbha coach Usman Ghani looked confident of a bright start to the season and said they would aim not to repeat the mistakes they committed last season.

“It’s a fresh beginning. We will try to rectify the mistakes we did last season. During the camp we worked on top-order batting as well as upon the lower order. We want the lower order, specially the bowlers, to contribute with the bat. That we lacked last season,” said Ghani.

“First thing first ... we would go for first innings lead and then see how the game progresses. The ultimate aim is to record outright wins in as many games as possible,” said Ghani.

Vidarbha were tied with Jharkhand and Andhra and missed the bus due to less number of bonus point wins.

“Last season we were at the top of the table for most part of the season. Just one bad game changed the scenario. So, we don’t want that situation this season,” said the Ranji champion coach.

The team got a boost in Harsh Dubey when the India spinner was cleared by the BCCI after recovering from an injury. Dubey was seen going full throttle during the training session on Saturday morning.

This time the team has given extra importance to fielding and same could be seen during the last training session on the eve of their match against Pondicherry. The air-borne attempt for a catch from Aman Mokhade proved the point.

The players’ direct hits on the single stump were perfect so were the catches at the deep.

As for Pondicherry, only Mohit Kale, is aware of Vidarbha’s ‘inside’ secrets.

Kale was part of Vidarbha set-up before he moved to Pondicherry last season.

The game would be played on red-soil pitch and it would be interesting to see who finds place in the playing XI. The spinners are likely to play a huge role in later part of the game.

SQUADS (from)

VIDARBHA: Akshay Wadkar (Captain & WK), Aman Mokhade, Yash Rathod (Vice-Captain), Danish Malewar, Atharva Taide, Satyam Bhoyar, Yash Kadam, Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Ganesh Bhosale, Shivam Deshmukh (WK), Nachiket Bhute, Praful Hinge, Darshan Nalkande, Rajneesh Gurbani, Dhruv Shorey, R Samarth.

PONDICHERRY: Neyan Shyam Kangayan (C), Ritesh Gutke, Nikhil Gangta, Mohit Kale, Logesh, Thamaraikannan, Prasad Pawar (WK), Sivamurugan, Aman Khan (VC), Sagar Trivedi, Ankit Sharma, Sagar Udeshi, Karan Kannan, Gaurav Yadav, Vijay, Tahir Butt. 

‘An exceptional captain’

India batter Vidarbha’s Bharti Fulmali lauds Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership qualities

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Oct 7, 2026

INDIA batter Bharti Fulmali is all praise for Harmanpreet Kaur who decided to step down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team on Tuesday.

Harmanpreet led Indian teams for around a decade.

Bharti Fulmali got the opportunity to play under Harmanpreet Kaur on several occasions and the Vidarbha batter praised the leadership qualities the Punjab cricketer showed on and off the field.

“Harman Di has always had a very different aura on the field. She is intense, competitive and carries a strong presence, while off the field she is calm, warm and easy to be around. That balance is something I really admire about her,” Fulmali told ‘The Hitavada’ on Wednesday.

The hard-hitting batter from Vidarbha said she was fortunate to play under an exceptional captain.

“I feel very fortunate to have played 13 matches under her leadership. For me, she has been an exceptional captain. The best thing about her captaincy is the way she believes in her players and gives them the confidence to express themselves. Especially for newcomers, that support and belief can make a huge difference,” stated Amravati-born Fulmali.

The right-handed batter, who under the captainship of Harmanpreet won the Asian Games gold medal in Japan, said she shared several memorable moments while playing along with her.

“One of the moments I will cherish for a lifetime is getting the opportunity to bat alongside her a couple of times. Sharing the crease with Harman Di, learning from her and experiencing those moments together is something that will always be very special to me,” she said adding, “Her decision to step down as captain marks the end of a very special chapter. I’m grateful that I got the opportunity to be part of her journey and learn from her leadership.” Fulmali thanked Harmanpreet for inspiring her with her impactful leadership qualities.

“Thank you, Harman Di for leading, inspiring and believing in us. Your impact will always be special, and I will cherish these memories for a lifetime,” Fulmali concluded.

 

Vidarbha Hockey Association set to lose custody of its ground

 

Additional Divisional Commissioner stays Collector’s order

n Sports Reporter

THE Additional Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur, has rejected Vidarbha Hockey Association’s appeal challenging District Collector’s order of cancelling the lease of the 3.8 acres of land off Amravati Road and taking its custody .

The District Collector, in his July 17 order, had asked Tehsildar to take custody of the ground after its lease, which was till 2037, was cancelled.

The office of Nayab Tehsildar of Nazul Department had then sent a notice addressing to VHA Secretary regarding taking control of the 3.8 acres of hockey field.

On August 10, Additional Divisional Commissioner Tushar Mathkar had refused to give stay to the District Collector’s order on taking custody of VHA ground.

It came after an adverse report submitted by the District Sport Office which flagged lack of facilities for players and holding of tournaments. 

VHA had then moved court challenging the decision of the Additional Divisional Commissioner and had received interim relief. The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court had asked the concerned authority to take decision within six weeks.

The Additional Divisional Commissioner after hearing both the parties, passed the order on September 28, 2026. 

He observed that the objections raised and order passed by the district collector stands and VHA has violated the rules of revenue department.

The District Collecto, in a couple of show-cause notices, had asked VHA to furnish all the documents of the lease and sought to know whether the lease rules were being followed in toto. 

Other reasons for cancellation of lease include; ground is not maintained, uneven bushes all around, absebce of astro-turf, an open nullah which can cause injury to players, no goalposts, no marking, no drainage system, no changing room, no clean drinking water and absence of other facilities.

The decision regarding issues with Hockey India and Hockey Maharashtra is a separate issue and cannot be clubbed with this matter, the order from Additional Divisional Commissioner stated.

Vid pacer Umesh Yadav joins Punjab

 

‘PAINED WITH THE TREATMENT I GOT FROM VCA’

By Paritosh Pramanik

INDIA pacer Umesh Yadav, who parted ways with Vidarbha a few days ago, has joined Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) for the coming season.

Confirming this to ‘The Hitavada’, Yadav, who represented Vidarbha for around 17 years, said he decided to join the Punjab side as he wanted to play for a top team and had never thought to play for any ‘minor’ side.

“Yes, I have signed a contract with Punjab and I am thankful to the PCA management for giving me a chance to represent their side. I am highly obliged to PCA as they changed their ‘rules’ by recruiting me as the first professional cricketer in the 34 years history of the association,” Yadav said on Wednesday.

“I was in search of a big team which is doing well in the domestic circuit. I was playing for a good team (Vidarbha) no doubt. But when I left Vidarbha, there were murmurs in VCA corridors that Umesh will only get a chance to play for a small team like from Northeast. But I have decided to join a team which is strong and is doing well (in the domestic circuit),” he said.

Yadav, who has played 124 First-Class matches and has 380 wickets till date against his name, said he has a few more years of cricket left in him.

“I know how much cricket is left in me and I will give my 100 per cent for Punjab,” assured the soon-to-be 39 Yadav.

Yadav was pained with the way VCA treated him when he was injured and after his recovery period.

“When I got injured, the association (VCA) neglected me. They did not give me any chance to prove myself after my recovery. They did not pick me in either one-day or in any other format last season. I was expecting support from the association after my leg injury which needed surgery. I needed time to give my best. I am not a Superman (to return with a bagful of wickets). From two matches (Ranji) which I played, I did well in one of them but that does not mean I am finished. They gave all powers to the coach and selectors to decide on my future as if they have played more cricket than me and have more experience than I have,” Umesh, who has played 57 Tests and 75 ODIs for India, told this scribe.

“I was not comfortable in such an environment which was not conducive for me. Nobody sat and talked with me. Hence, I decided to move to a team which is more adoptive,” Yadav stated.

With Punjab’s pacers Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar on India duty, it will be veteran seamer Yadav’s job to deliver with the ball and take along the young bowling unit.

“Punjab is a State where cricketers are hungry for success. When I joined them I knew that Arshdeep and Gurnoor will be on India duty and will not be available for the entire domestic season. So it will be my job to take along the young bowling unit along and share my international experience with the team,” Yadav, who has 170 Test wickets under his belt, said.

Punjab has included a professional for the first time and Yadav felt that it is a great feeling to be associated with the side with such a rich cricketing culture.

“More than feeling proud I am thankful to PCA for giving me the opportunity. I contacted them (PCA) very late as I was being approached by several other States. I am thankful to PCA for giving me an opportunity in such a short period,” said Yadav, who will turn 39 on October 25.