While India and the West Indies are engaged in a Test series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, another important contest is underway – the Irani Cup. Ranji Trophy champions, Vidarbha, take on Rest of India, a team comprising the best-of-the-best in domestic cricket. The match is being held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
After day 3, in a dismal position, as the Rest of India were 142 for 5 and still 200 runs adrift of Vidarbha’s first-innings 342, they had only one reason to smile, as their captain, Rajat Patidar, was still in fine form.
On resuming at 42, Patidar was confident and looked comfortable. He then kept their hope alive with an innings of 66 off 135 balls before being dismissed by Harsh Dubey when Yash Thakur took a sharp-flying catch at long off.
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Since the very beginning, Patidar has been brilliant in domestic cricket. This season, he also led the Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy and scored big runs during the tourney: 1century in the final against South Zone, 77 in the semifinal against West Zone, and big knocks of 125 and 66 in the quarterfinal against North East Zone. His consistency outputs seem to be forging a good argument for national selection.
By contrast, two major names, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, were disappointing with the bat. Gaikwad, having come in at No.5, is also vice-captain of ROI; he could manage only 9 off 13 balls.
While Kishan went in at No. 6, he fell quicker- just 1 run. Both wickets fell on Day 2, adding pressure on ROI and creating doubts about their form ahead of a potential call-up for India.
On the first innings, Rest of India were buckled at 214, trailing Vidarbha by 128. Vidarbha bowlers really dominated, Yash Thakur especially with 4 wickets to keep ROI batters under pressure.
Earlier, Vidarbha’s batting was led by Atharva Taide with a fabulous 143 and Yash Rathod putting on a solid 91.
