Vidarbha secured their third Irani Cup title, defeating Rest of India (RoI) by 93 runs in a compelling match held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur from October 1st to 5th, 2025. This victory underscores Vidarbha's dominance in domestic cricket, marking their third Irani Cup win, with prior triumphs in 2018 and 2019. Each time Vidarbha has clinched the Ranji Trophy, they've successfully followed it up by winning the Irani Cup.
The Akshay Wadkar-led Vidarbha team demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority throughout the five-day match. After setting a target of 361, Vidarbha's bowling attack, spearheaded by Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur, dismantled the Rest of India's batting lineup, restricting them to 267. Dubey and Thakur each took six wickets in the match.
Atharva Taide was named Player of the Match for his impressive all-round performance, including a commanding 143 in Vidarbha's first innings and a crucial catch to dismiss Yash Dhull. Taide's performance was particularly notable, as he had been dropped from the Ranji Trophy final after a string of low scores. His resurgence highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in cricket.
The Rest of India team, led by Rajat Patidar, included talented players such as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan. However, Vidarbha's consistent pressure and strategic gameplay proved too much for the RoI to handle.
One of the defining moments of the match was the dismissal of Yash Dhull, who scored a spirited 92 for Rest of India. Dhull's valiant effort to revive the innings ended when he was caught by Atharva Taide off Yash Thakur's bowling. This dismissal led to a heated exchange between Dhull and Thakur, requiring intervention from the umpires and Vidarbha players.
Vidarbha's victory can be attributed to several factors, including their strong batting lineup, disciplined bowling attack, and effective captaincy. Akshay Wadkar's leadership was particularly noteworthy, as he consistently outmaneuvered his counterpart, Rajat Patidar, with shrewd field placements and bowling changes.
The Irani Cup triumph serves as a valuable lesson for Indian cricket, highlighting the importance of nurturing regional talent and fostering a strong team culture. Vidarbha's success demonstrates that consistent performance at the domestic level can lead to significant achievements, even against a team comprising the best players from across the country. Furthermore, their victory underscores the significance of adaptability and mental fortitude in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities on the field.
The Vidarbha team, with an average age of just 24, displayed a remarkable level of aggression and ambition throughout the match. This victory not only adds another trophy to their cabinet but also sets a promising precedent for the future of Vidarbha cricket.
