Vidarbha open Ranji Trophy season against Puducherry at Jamtha from Sunday
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Vidarbha will play their first match of the new Ranji Trophy season on Sunday, taking on Puducherry at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. The match is a four-day contest and the team intends to begin its campaign with a win. Playing at home, Vidarbha are considered the stronger side.
The team's strengths are seen as the home ground, the presence of experienced players and a balanced bowling attack. For captain Akshay Wadkar, the match is not only a chance to record a win but also an opportunity to build a strong rhythm for the whole season.
Vidarbha's previous record against Puducherry is also in their favour. In the match played in 2024, Vidarbha beat them by 120 runs. This time too, the team will try to take full points. Winning the first match of the season will also give confidence for the games ahead.
A balanced use of fast bowlers and spinners will be important to the team's strategy. The spin unit, led by Harsh Dubey, could put pressure on the opposition batters. Fast bowlers such as Nachiket Bhute and Prafull Hinge are also expected to make key contributions.
Aman Mokhade, Yash Rathod, R Samarth and Danish Malewar will have to carry the batting responsibility. In a four-day match, protecting the early wickets, building big partnerships and taking a first-innings lead can prove decisive.
Wadkar believes the Vidarbha side has the ability to come back into a match in any situation. His emphasis is on playing good cricket and, when the chance comes, on increasing the pressure on the opposition.
The captain has full faith in the team's balance this time. The presence of players such as Harsh Dubey, Yash Rathod, Nachiket Bhute and Prafull Hinge will strengthen the side. Vidarbha could benefit from their recent form and their experience of playing at the highest level.
However, the availability of players will not be the same through the season. Yash Rathod will leave after the first match to play against New Zealand. From the second match, other batters will therefore get a chance to prove themselves.
According to Wadkar, the team is planning to field three fast bowlers and two spinners. The strategy of giving six batters, including the captain, responsibility reflects the balance of the team.
