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.

Live on JioStar Network. 

Kamptee footballer Asheer called for maiden India camp

 By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Sept 20, 2025

ASHEER Akhtar is just a step away from fulfilling his dream of playing for the Indian football team.

The ‘Rock’ NorthEast United Football Club defender, who hails from Kamptee in Nagpur, has been summoned for the national football camp, to be conducted by head coach Khalid Jamil, for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore.

“In addition to the 30-member probables, Brandon Fernandes and Asheer Akhtar have been called up to the national camp,” the All India Football Federation (AIFF) posted on ‘X’ on Friday.

The national team’s preparatory camp is scheduled to begin in Bengaluru from Saturday.

Kamptee’s Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, has been knocking Indian team’s doors for quite some time. He has performed as per the expectations of the selectors.

North East United FC, of which Asheer is an integral part, has recently retained the prestigious Durand Cup winning it for the second time.

The club was elated at Asheer’s call-up for camp.

“National duty-bound. Our defensive Rock, Asheer Akhtar, is called-up for Indian senior men’s team camp for the October FIFA International Window. We’re super proud of you Asheer!!!’, the club posted congratulatory message on Instagram along with the footballer’s photo. 

After that title win, Asheer had said he is working hard to make it to Blue Tigers’ squad. “I want to wear India Blue. That is my ultimate dream and I am working hard to fulfil it,” Asheer had told ‘The Hitavada’ after lifting the Durand Cup.

With his inclusion in probables for the match against Singapore, Asheer is hoping to get into the final team. “Yes, I am a step away from fulfilling my dream. I will work much harder to achieve the feat,” Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ from Bengaluru on Friday evening.

“I was waiting for this day for a long time. My hard work has been noticed. But I will have to put in more effort to make it to the final team,” said Asheer, who was enjoying a happy evening with his wife and son at his home in Guwahati when he received the call from AIFF.

“It will be a great learning experience during the camp. All the top footballers of the country will be there and I will get a lot to learn from them,” said Asheer who started his football career with MM Rabbani school and club.

An Indian team will be picked from this camp which will play two 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers final round against Singapore (Oct 9) at the National Stadium and (Oct 14) at JN Stadium in Margao, Goa.

Duleep Trophy winning coach Usman Ghani’s success mantra ‘I just want to get into players’ hearts’

By Paritosh Pramanik

Nagpur, Sept 17, 2025

A COACH’S job at the top level is more of a mental aspect. 

Same was the success mantra of Duleep Trophy winning coach Vidarbha’s Usman Ghani.

He wanted to get the best out of his boys with his style of coaching. Ghani, coach of 2024-25 Ranji title winner Vidarbha, was an elated man after Central Zone claimed the Duleep Trophy after a hiatus of 11 years. 

Ghani gave all the credit to his wards for producing a title winning performance.

“It’s up to the boys, if they do well, credit comes to the coach as well. Credit to them only,” said Ghani while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ after the title victory, from Bengaluru.

Central Zone defeated South by six wickets to lift the trophy just before lunch on the fifth day.

“My job as a coach is to get the best out of them and that’s what I try to do. There is no mantra. All I want is to keep it super simple. I just want to get into their hearts and want players to give their best as individuals,” he said. 

The Central Zone team was a Vidarbha-heavy side with seven players playing the three games and four always in the playing XI. That made it a lot easier for coach Ghani as these four including Danish Malewar (Best Striker of the Tournament), Yash Rathod (Player of the final), Akshay Wadkar (who was added later in the squad) and Aditya Thakare know what the coach expected from them.

Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, who both were picked for India A series against Australia A, were also part of the squad. Pacer Nachiket Bhute was added for the final as well.

“It was relatively easy to coach this side as there were several players from Vidarbha. It was easier to handle a state team. The players are professionals, they know what I want from them and what they need to do. The higher you go, the easier it is to execute your plans,” explained Ghani who was also coach of India C team last Duleep season.

The coach was highly impressed with the way Malewar presented himself. 

Malewar slammed a double century (203) against North East Zone in the quarter-finals. “He is a very sincere guy even in practice sessions. Whatever routine is given, he follows it to the ‘T’. 

“He is mentally very strong because of the routines he follows. He is focused and talented as well and he is maturing and adapting things at the higher level quickly,” Ghani said in praise of Malewar adding, “In Ranji final also he had given a strong performance.”

Malewar was made to open the innings and he passed the ‘test’ with flying colours. 

“Though it was not his position (to open) to bat, he performed the job with aplomb. With the team combination, I told him to open the innings and he accepted the challenge. He wanted to play at any position...he is a bright prospect and the ‘goal’ (of playing for the country) is not far,” Ghani predicted.

The Vidarbha coach was also full of praise for Rathod who scored 374 runs to emerge as the second highest scorer in Duleep Trophy this season.

“Rathod’s innings were brilliant. He is a consistent performer and is working hard to get into India A squad. Even pacer Yash Thakur is doing well. We have a good bunch of players who are knocking the India door. We are winning the tournaments but our players are not getting an India berth...so we are focusing on that only. We want our players to play the IPL and also for the country. After Umesh (Yadav) there is nobody (in India colour). Hopefully things will change now,” said Ghani who joined the Vidarbha team which is playing K Thimmappiah Memorial Tournament in Bengaluru.

While Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur got India A call-up, Rathod was ignored but Ghani felt that the left-handed batter is in the selectors’ scheme of things.

“Rathod will definitely get a chance to play for India A. There are many A tours lined up and I am sure he will be picked. Even Danish has staked claim with his consistent performance. These players’ performance will be definitely recognised by the BCCI. The selectors are making a pool of 30-40 players and Vidarbha cricketers are also in the scheme of things. The selectors have already targetted players like Dubey, Thakur and Rathod. They are already in their radar and now Malewar has also joined them.”

Ghani surprised all by using Wadkar as an opener who did perform well in his new batting position.

“Selectors gave me Wadkar as a replacement after Yash Juyal and Dhruv Jurel got injured. Wadkar had done well in Ranji Trophy so they (selectors) picked him. There was only the opener’s slot vacant and I asked him whether he would open? He replied in affirmative and said ‘I want to bat at any position’. And he proved himself. He got set but got out to a peach of a delivery which came back very sharply,” Ghani recalled.

With Duleep title in the bag, Vidarbha players will now concentrate on taking on Rest of India in Irani Trophy which will be held in Nagpur from October One. 

“The preparation has already started. We are ready for the challenge from the best cricketers of the country,” concluded Ghani.

Yash Rathod’s Success Story: From a back injury to hitting 600 balls daily in nets

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAAGUR, Sept 13, 2025 

YASH Rathod loves batting long innings. He believes in scoring runs in tons. And that’s what he did last Ranji Trophy season for Vidarbha where he emerged as the highest runs scorer with 960 runs.

That strong performance helped him get picked in the Central Zone team for Duleep Trophy. His appetite for runs continued in the zonal tournament as well as he slammed a Daddy Hundred (194) in the final against South Zone to take Central closer to the title as they took a huge first innings lead.

The big century was built up on twin half centuries he scored in quarter-finals against North East Zone where he hit 87* and 78 runs.

But these runs (1866 till now) starting from Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy (two centuries) did not come easily.

The 2024-25 season ended with Vidarbha emerging Ranji champions for the third time. Rathod slammed five centuries and three half centuries and it took toll on the left-handed Vidarbha middle-order mainstay’s body.

He suffered a minor back injury and was advised a month’s rest.

“I did not pick the bat for one month. The injury was not major but I was advised to take complete rest,” Rathod told ‘The Hitavada’ after the end of third day’s play of Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru.

“The rehabilitation started and slowly I started strength training and batting and then I played Vidarbha Premier T20 League,” he 

mentioned.

After the 2023024 Ranji season, Rathod had a one-on-one session with coach Usman Ghani who cleared his doubts. “I went to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and worked with Hrishikesh Kanitkar who advised me minute changes in my batting,” he said.

Those changes helped Rathod last season where he was unstoppable.

In November 2024, Rathod had told this newspaper that he missed Duleep trophy berth because he did not hit centuries even though he had scored huge runs.

“Last year, I think I missed the Duleep Trophy berth as I did not score centuries, even though I scored good runs,” said Rathod after Vidarbha’s innings victory over Himachal last November.

This season, the left-handed batter converted his good starts into hundreds.

Rathod took the hard yards in the nets and batted for long hours in the nets.

“I used to bat around 600 balls daily in the nets at Nagpur Cricket Academy. This was my daily routine. I wanted to iron out all the flaws and hence I batted for over 600 balls daily,” stated Rathod who had hit 945 runs in 2017-18 Cooch Behar Trophy which Vidarbha won.

Rathod has been among runs for years. After Coronavirus break, Rathod slammed 611 runs from six matches in Col CK Nayudu Trophy in the 2021-22 season.

On missing the double hundred in the final, Rathod said, he is satisfied with 194 which came in the final. “Yes a double hundred would be lovely, but 194 came in the final of a Duleep Trophy. I am happy with my performance,” he said in a satisfied tone.

The non-selection in the India A team for the Australia A multi-day series did rankle Rathod but he decided to remind the selectors about his batting prowess with another big hundred in the final.

“Yes, I was a bit disappointed when the India A team was declared, I was expecting a call. But selection is not in my hands. What I can do is score runs and I did it in the final with 194 and I am happy with it. Selection will come with time. What my job is to keep scoring runs,” concluded Rathod.

I will try to give my best, says Dubey ahead of Duleep tie

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Aug 27, 2025

HE HAS waited for this opportunity for more than a year after he missed the bus last year He did not sulk over it. Instead, Harsh Dubey produced much better performance with 69 scalps in last Ranji Trophy season for Vidarbha forcing selectors to pick him in Central Zone Duleep 

trophy squad.

Left-arm spinner Dubey, who will be making his debut in the tournament starting Thursday, said he is excited to play one of the prestigious competitions of our country. He said he won’t be under any pressure and would try to keep it simple and give his best.

Dubey has been training in Bengaluru since July and said the preparation has been on the right track.

“The preparation was going on from July. I was in Bengaluru for last one month. There was a skill camp and we have been training hard,” Dubey told ‘The Hitavada’ on the eve of their match against North East Zone.

“Duleep Trophy is an important tournament, one of the prestigious competitions of our country. 

“I am excited to play my maiden game. There is no pressure as such and I would like to keep my game simple,” said Dubey.

“I don’t thing there would be huge challenges for me. I only want to give my best and concentrate on my game. I will try to play the game as it comes. I don’t want to look too further, 

but want to remain in present 

and give my best,” Dubey 

concluded.

Meeting President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a memorable moment: Asheer

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 28, 2025

IT WAS a moment to cherish forever for Kamptee’s Asheer Akhtar.

Akhtar, who was part of the Durand Cup title winning NorthEast United Football Club, was one of the few players, present at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday during the felicitation function.

In a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India Droupadi Murmu felicitated NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) for their historic victory in the 2025 edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup. 

In the final, NEUFC thrashed Diamond Harbour 6-1 to retain the title. Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, was the man who opened the floodgates for the Highlander team in the 30th minute of play as they went on to pump in five more to lift the glittering trophy.

President Murmu presented the President’s Cup, one of the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions, marking a moment of pride for the club, its supporters and the footballing community.

The function was attended by Bollywood actor John Abraham who is also the owner of NEUFC, team captain Redeem Tlang, defender Akhtar, and Mandar Vijaykumar Tamhane, CEO, NEUFC in the presence of dignitaries and members of the Durand Football Tournament Society and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

“It was a totally different feeling ... a beautiful experience meeting the President of the country,” an elated Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ immediately after landing in Guwahati from New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience. This was for the first time that a Durand Cup winning team was invited in the Rashtrapati Bhavan and President handed over the trophy. Last year, we got the trophy (President’s Cup) in a simple ceremony. But this time, we were invited in New Delhi for the function,” said Asheer, a former Rabbani Club player.

Asheer said it was a proud moment for him talking with top officials of Armed Forces. “All the top officials of Indian Armed Forces were there and all interacted with us freely. They too were proud for us for winning the back-to-back title,” Asheer stated.

Asheer was one of the lucky few to get a chance to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Most of the players returned home after the final. I, along with a few others, were there and hence got the chance to meet the President Murmu,” an elated Asheer said.

“Such moments are rare. This will be etched in my memory forever,” Asheer signed off.

Kamptee footballer Asheer basking in Durand Cup title glory

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 26, 2025

THEY were also-rans just a few years ago. But NorthEast United Football Club has grown leaps and bounds only to be counted as one of the best football clubs in the country.

In 2023, NorthEast United were the semi-finalists of the prestigious Durand Cup. 

Cut to 2025, the Highlanders are now two-time champions!

Most must have thought that the 2024 maiden Durand Cup title win was a fluke, but the Spaniard Juan Pedro Benali Hammou coached side proved all their critics wrong as they went on to defend the title crushing Diamond Harbour 6-1 in a one-sided final at Kolkata last Saturday.

The Highlanders, thus became the first team since East Bengal FC in 1991 to successfully defend the Durand Cup.

The NorthEast United’s success must be attributed to Kamptee’s Asheer Akhtar who changed the team’s fortunes when he joined them in 2023 from Sreenidi Deccan Football Club. The ‘Wall’ of NE United FC defender Asheer was the one who opened the floodgates in their thumping 6-1 over Diamond Harbour in the final.

Diamond Harbour had managed to hold the defending champions at bay until defender Asheer ran from the back line to score the opener in the 30th minute. From there on it was one-way traffic as Parthib Sundar Gogoi (45+1), Thoi Singh (50th), Jairo Samperio Bustara (81st), Andy Rodriguez (86th) and Alaaeddine Ajaraie (90+3th) scored in the huge title win.

“It looked a one-sided game but we worked hard to defend the title,” Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ from his team base in Guwahati on Monday.

“We were determined to defend the title. Unlike other teams, we started our preparations in advance and had only one goal — to retain the cup. 

“Our management, coach and every single member had only one target — lifting the Durand Cup again,” said Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar.

“We played to a plan and executed it well. We did not make any big changes in our style of play. We played as a cohesive unit and supported each other,” said Asheer about the team’s approach in the tournament.

In 2024, Asheer was part of that history making NE United team which came from a two -goal deficit to score two in three minutes of the second half and take the match into shoot-out where they emerged winners with a 3-2 verdict defeating football giants Mohun Bagan in their own den in Kolkata.

Asheer still aspires to play for the country at the highest level. “I want to wear India Blue. That is my ultimate dream and I am working hard to fulfill it,” Asheer, who started playing as a forward in school (MM Rabbani) and Rabbani Club, concluded.

---------------------------------------

Asheer has been playing professional football since 2010. He joined SAIL Football Academy Bokaro and stayed there for two seasons. He then returned to Nagpur and played for Rabbani Club, Kamptee and then played for Pune FC Under-19 team. His journey went northward as he shifted to Kashmir in 2014 to play second division and then played the Goa League in 2015. In 2016, Asheer got first hand experience of playing in I-League for Mumbai FC. His career took wings and he joined Bengaluru FC for another couple of years (2018-19). The former Rabbani Club player then moved to East Bengal and then joined mighty Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata before moving to Sreenidi Deccan Football Club in 2022. He was then picked by NorthEast United and is serving the Highlanders till date.

Nagpur’s Irshad to play Lanka Premier Hockey League

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 23, 2025

Hockey talent of the city is going to shores. For decades, players of the city have shown immense talent but lack of proper infrastructure and controversies surrounding the game in the city, has forced the dribblers to move to greener pastures.

Players like Niyaz Rahim, Aakib Rahim, Himanshi Gawande and a few others have moved away from Vidarbha only to secure a place of pride in Indian hockey.

Now, another senior player, Irshad Mirza, will be once again seen in action during the second season of Premier Hockey League in Sri Lanka.

The lanky striker has been picked by Sri Lanka Police for the coming season which will begin in the month of November.

A total of 10 teams will be vying for the top honours and Mirza would try to help his side Sri Lanka Police win the title.

“Last year, I played the Sri Lanka Premier Hockey League for the Sri Lanka Air Force.

“This year, too, there were offers from Sri Lankan Army, Air Force, Royal College Hockey Club and Sri Lanka Police. All the teams fought hard but in the end it was the police team which managed to acquire my services during the bidding,” said Irshad while talking with ‘The Hitavada’.

The Sri Lanka Air Force, of which Irshad was part, finished second best last year losing the final to Sri Lankan Army.

“This year, I hope to do well for the Sri Lanka Police. The hockey structure is getting better in Sri Lanka and it is a good opportunity for us Indian players to show our talent,” said Irshad who has been a veteran in Indian domestic hockey, having played for more than half a dozen States in Hockey India nationals. He is also a regular member of Central Railways Headquarters team, and currently employed with Central Railways, Nagpur.

“This year, Sri Lanka Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, BRC, CH, CR, Old Senanayakians Sports Club (DS) and Royal College Hockey Club are among the nine formidable teams that will compete in the tournament,” informed Irshad who grew up playing hockey with Orange City Club, which was started by his late father Iqbal Mirza.

Like all the other players, Irshad felt that hockey players from Vidarbha and specially from Nagpur are best in the State. What is needed is to groom the talent with proper facilities and match practise.

“We have the best players in the State. I can confidently say that we (players of Nagpur and a few from other districts of Vidarbha) can beat teams of Hockey Maharashtra. We have immense talent. Only thing is we lack infrastructure and game time. 

“The poor state of affairs in running the game in the city is also hampering the players’ prospects. What is the fault of players in these controversies which has surrounded the game for decades,” he asked.

“I wish everyone come together to take hockey of Nagpur to greater heights.”

‘Prince’ Yuvraj engaged with MLA Thakre’s daughter Veeha

 MARRIAGE ON VALENTINE’S DAY IN NAGPUR

August 20, 2025

By Paritosh Pramanik

HE HAS beaten many a robust defence, earning accolades in world hockey. But striker Yuvraj Walmiki could not dribble past this Nagpur girl and was forced to concede a ‘goal’.

Yuvraj, once the ‘Prince of Indian hockey’ got hooked to Veeha, daughter of West Nagpur MLA Vikas Thakre, and within a span of a few months the two exchanged rings at a simple engagement ceremony held on Saturday in Nagpur. The marriage will take place on February 14, Valentine’s Day in Nagpur.

Yuvraj, the Indian team’s striker with over 50 international caps, was taught to take first strike at the opponent’s citadel. He did it in personal life, too! “It was love at first sight,” Yuvraj told ‘The Hitavada’ after the ring ceremony which took place on Saturday in the city.

“I met Veeha, who is studying LLM in Criminal Law, on Instagram and started chatting with her. It struck immediately. I never believed in spending time in coffee shops and roaming around. We were serious from the start itself,” said Yuvraj about his first meeting. “I stalked her insta posts and liked her at first shot,” revealed Yuvraj, the only Indian player to have played German Hockey League for eight years continuously. Yuvraj, himself a sportstar, didn’t know that he was dating the daughter of a top politician until Veeha said that she can’t meet him alone due to ‘security reasons’.

“We used to chat a lot but I never knew that she was the daughter of such a big political leader of the State. Once, when I asked her to meet, she said that she can’t due to security reasons. I was like, what? Security reasons? Then she said that she is the daughter of MLA Thakre,” stated Yuvraj, who represented Indian at the 2014 Hockey World Cup in Netherlands.

“That was surprisingly shocking for me,” added Yuvraj.

Yuvraj then met MLA Thakre on a few occasions during Maharashtra Assembly’s Monsoon Session in Mumbai. 

“I was invited by Mr Thakre a few months back and I flew down to Nagpur to meet him. I was in awe looking at the security with which dad (MLA Thakre) came to receive me at the airport. The reception at their house was homely and I felt a sense of pride on my decision,” said Yuvraj, who was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy in Ordos.

The ring ceremony was a private affair with Yuvraj’s family members including his brother international hockey player Davinder and his mentor legendary Dhanraj Pillay in attendance.

There was no opposition from both sides and Thakre family accepted ‘the prince’ for their ‘princesses’.

“Dad (Thakre) told me if both of us are happy in each other’s company then they have no problem. The Thakre family is very down-to-earth and they are sure that their daughter will live a life of princesses in Walmiki family,” Yuvraj signed off.

YEH DIL MAANGE MORE: Not satisfied, GM Divya Deshmukh hungry for more

Special Correspondent

July 31, 2025

WINNERS are always unsatisfied with their performances. They yearn for more. Without trophies and crowns in their bag, they feel empty. They remain hungry for more success, always, even if they have won a title a day ago or a month back. Whenever they step into a new battlefield, they search for another title.

Newly-crowned Women Chess World Cup winner and Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh is no different. She is not satisfied with what she has achieved in her short career. Divya has every trophy in her Shankar Nagar residence cupboard. Be it a cadet girls’ crown or chess Olympiad gold medals, Junior World crown or Senior Women World Cup. Yet, she feels she has won nothing. Hence, when The Hitavada’ asked her whether she is satisfied with what she has achieved thus far, the answer came in negative.

“No, I am not satisfied. I think this is just the beginning and I definitely want to achieve more,” she replied during a press conference organised by Maharashtra Chess Association President Parinay Fuke on Thursday evening.

Flanked by her parents — Dr Jirendra and Dr Namrata Deshmukh — who both tried to avoid the media and the limelight which came to them due to their daughter’s heroics, Divya ‘opened’ the presser confidently. During the ‘middle game’ when the queries were a bit repetitive, she ‘moved her pieces’ (read answers) calmly as she knew that repeating the same answers thrice won’t ‘draw the game’ like in chess. With a bright smile on her face, Divya coolly replied to the same queries, like, when asked how was the feeling when she won the final against Koneru Humpy... how she felt by the reception at Nagpur Airport?..

Her replies were stitched with enthusiasm.

“I am grateful to the crowd for such a huge reception. The way they came out to celebrate my victory, it feels great to see chess getting such a huge response. I don’t have much to say. I am just thankful,” Divya repeated the same answer on a few occasions.

The ‘middle game’ queries continued and maturity reflected in her replies.

Divya did admit that she realised late that she was on cusp of winning the world title. “I realised quite late that I am in a winning position. Also, it was a rapid format and I did not have much time to process that I had won the final. My first reaction was... I just cried and searched for my mother who was not allowed inside the hall during the final,” Divya narrated the last moments of the exciting final.

The World Cup winner once again said that this win will help chess grow further, especially among girls.

“Just last December, Humpy won the World Rapid Championship and now, this win, I think, it will (give) boost (to) chess specially among young girls.”

There was a sweet little chuckle when she was compared with former India cricket captain MS Dhoni’s attacking style of play.

When asked about this style of play, Divya said, “There was always an aggressiveness in my style of play. I think, on a chess board, I am an aggressive player. It is easier for me to go into tactics with aggression, so I think that’s just my style of play.”

Divya lauded her senior opponent Humpy’s performance in the final, but said that, the first game loss with white was due to her own failure.

“It was more to do with my failure than her success. I was quite upset after the first game because I was in a very good position and I knew I didn’t play well. So, it definitely added more pressure in the second game as I was playing with the black pieces. But I gained confidence after the second game (which she drew to take the game into the tie-breaker round.) Yes, Humpy is a world rapid champion and I respect her a lot, But you can’t play with that (opponent’s world champion) tag behind your mind so I don’t think that there was any pressure because I was confident in my abilities,” Divya explained how she went into the final.

She also said that the similarity in her and Gukesh’s game is their attacking style of play.

“We both started playing chess at the same age. We both play attacking games and that’s the similarity in our style of play.”

Divya, who is now a Grandmaster as well as a world champ, said that these twin tags won’t put any added pressure on her.

“The pressure has been there for many years. But after a point it doesn’t matter whether there is a pressure of 100 players or a lakh players. For me what matters is my expectations and my own goals. So obviously, p

ressure always remains there but I try not to think much about it.”

Divya once again said that it was a proud feeling to carry the national flag and listen to the National Anthem. “I felt very proud when the National Anthem was played. Anyway, it was to be played as we both were Indians, but it was played because I won.. I felt really proud,” she said.

Despite Nagpur now boasting of three Grandmasters with Raunak Sadhwani and Sankalp Gupta being the other two, Divya rated Chennai as the hub of chess in the country.

“No I don’t think so. Chennai is way ahead of us (Nagpur) and there is no comparison. Chess is more popular in the Southern part of India. But yes, I would love to see chess get more popular in Nagpur and the younger generation get attracted to the game,” Divya frankly said.

Divya revealed that she never knew that she would become a Grandmaster if she wins the World Cup.

“I was totally unaware about getting the GM title prior to this tournament. When I reached the semi-final then I came to know that I got the first norm. And then I got to know that if I win this tournament I would be a GM. I was very happy but I wanted to concentrate on the remaining matches and did not want to put any added pressure on myself,” said Divya even as GM Abhijit Kunte posed a satisfied look.

The ‘end game’ was more tiring and exhausting for Divya with TV channels, portals and youtubers mobbing her for ‘exclusive interviews’.

This was not the first time Divya was giving so many interviews.

“Not at all. I have given many more interviews on the go once in Delhi,” she told this newspaper.

One after another, the video camera lights flashed on Divya’s face and she cleverly replied in ‘rapid format’ before the cameramen were ‘pushed to the corner’ and Divya emerged ‘champion’ once again.

However, that’s not the end as felicitations and interviews will continue and Divya will keep on ‘winning’ them until she is satisfied.