The time I spent on bench taught me a lot: Centurion Mokhade

By Paritosh Pramanik

Oct 29, 2025

WARMING the bench and not getting a game the whole season would demoralise anybody but for Aman Mokhade, it was a learning curve which taught him how to remain calm and wait for the small window to show his credentials.

Mokhade is regarded as one of the most talented batters Vidarbha have at present. But selectors were finding it difficult to insert him in a squad already packed with performers. Mokhade was used as a replacement batter until Danish Malewar got injured before the start of new season. And the 24-year-old right-handed opener pounced the opportunity with both hands hitting Daddy Hundred in back-to-back matches. “The last season taught me a lot. I was not getting games and was waiting for one opportunity. Those days on the bench taught me to remain calm and wait for the opportunity. It is not easy to remain on the bench watching others perform. I learned a lot during that period and am grateful that I managed to utilise those learning in these two matches,” Mokhade said while talking with ‘The Hitavada’ after Vidarbha won the match against Jharkhand on the basis of first innings lead.

“Those days really helped me as I learned a lot by watching others play. I learned how to bat in different situations,” revealed Mokhade.

A century (183) against Nagaland followed up by another ton (176) against Jharkhand at Jamtha, Mokhade said he would savour both the innings but will rate the second one best as it came against a quality side. “Of course, both centuries are special but I would rate this one as on top because we were playing against a quality side. They have some big names in their list and are an experienced bunch. Batting was challenging initially and we (with Atharva Taide) gave the team a good start. But yes, I rue missing double centuries on both the occasions. I was determined that I would score here but that could not happen,” added Mokhade who hit 176 from 312 balls.

“I am sure it (double century) is round the corner as I am batting well and scoring runs for my team. It is not far away,” Mokhade said confidently.

The opening batter said that it was important to score big at the top as the team was chasing a big total. “We wanted to bat long. The 332 runs first innings score was not an easy chase and we decided to bat deep. We still wanted to go for seven points. But we lost a couple of quick wickets and then had to change our plan. Otherwise, we would have bowled here again and challenged them,” said Mokhade.

On creating a happy selection headache for the coach and selectors, Mokhade said that it’s good for the side. “This will continue in the Vidarbha side. All the players are performing above expectations. In the future it (the headache) will definitely grow. All the players have potential to perform and I am sure if we make a second Vidarbha squad they will also give a tough fight to other teams,” Mokhade concluded.