Never imagined I would reach 100 FC games: Wakhare

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Oct 24, 2024

He might be reaching a huge milestone in his cricketing career in a couple of days, but Vidarbha’s premier spinner Akshay Wakhare wants to keep doing what he has been doing for nearly two decades—win matches for Vidarbha.

The lanky off-spinner will be completing a century of First Class matches come Saturday against Uttarakhand in Dehradun. In all probability veteran spinner Wakhare would be taking the field in Vidarbha’s third Ranji Trophy match of the season.

He will thus become the fourth Vidarbha cricketer to play 100 First Class matches after Faiz Fazal (138), Umesh Yadav (124, including Test matches) and Pritam Gandhe (100).

Wakhare, who made his Vidarbha debut in 2006 against Kerala at Palakkad under the captainship of Harshal Shitoot, has so far played 86 Ranji trophy, 11 Duleep Trophy and two Irani Cup matches, taking his First Class tally to 99.

With 326 First Class wickets under his belt, Wakhare is not stopping yet.

“Never in my dream (I thought of playing 100 matches (99),” said Wakhare while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ from Dehradun.

“I just wanted to play the game I loved the most and today I am here. It’s a proud moment for me to represent Vidarbha and help the side win titles,” said the 39-year-old spinner. 

“Frankly speaking, when I started playing cricket, I had never thought of playing for Vidarbha itself. But as luck would have it, I managed to get a berth in the team and today I am on the verge of achieving what many couldn't,” said the soft-spoken off-spinner.

Wakhare is going strong and so far has taken 21 five-wicket hauls. On three occasions he has taken 10 wickets in a match.

He had a very quiet start to his career. In the first three seasons (2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09), Wakhare got to play only three matches when he grew under the shadows of another star spinner of Vidarbha Pritam Gandhe.

“When Pritam bhai was there I did not get opportunities as he was at his best. But I learnt a lot from him. Even sitting on the bench taught me a lot,” said Wakhare.

From bowling with part-time spinners to joining forces with Aditya Sarvate, and now sharing the ball with young Harsh Dubey, Wakhare has seen the transition period well.

“After Pritam bhai, those were the days, when I used to bowl alongside part-timers like Ravi Jangid. Then Adi (Aditya Sarvate) came and we formed the nucleus of Vidarbha spin department. With Adi was our golden period.... not only for both of us but for Vidarbha team as well. We started taking 20 wickets in a match which helped us win games. We started believing in ourselves and team members started believing in us. 

“Now with Adi shifting base (to Kerala), Harsh Dubey is doing well. He has a bright future. He is a good learner and I feel he should play at a higher level,” Wakhare elaborated.

Wakhare said he will not stick for long and will pave the way for youngsters. “I am fit and still going strong but will not block a spot for a better player. VCA has given me everything and because of the association, I have reached this far. I am highly obliged to the association for being by my side since I made my debut.

“I will sit with the officials later and will decide on my future. But as of now I am eager to win more matches for Vidarbha.

“I have no regrets. I am happy with what I have achieved. Winning two Ranji Trophies and two Irani Cup titles is icing on the cake,” Wakhare signed off.