The Irani Cup 2025/26 culminated in a five-day cricketing drama that saw Vidarbha emerge victorious, securing their third title since the 2017-18 season. The contest against a spirited Rest of India was a masterclass in resilience and strategic execution, ultimately decided by a 93-run margin. It was a narrative woven with towering centuries, crucial four-wicket hauls, and a final-day chase that oscillated between hope and despair, delivering a fitting crescendo to one of India`s premier first-class tournaments.
As the sun rose on the final day, the air in Nagpur was thick with anticipation. Rest of India, facing an imposing target of 361, resumed their innings at a precarious 30 for 2. The equation was daunting, requiring both monumental effort and a touch of cricketing magic. However, Vidarbha`s bowlers, sensing an opportunity to close the game, had other plans, systematically dismantling the opposition`s remaining batting lineup with a blend of precision and aggression.
The Early Demise: Vidarbha`s Bowlers Strike Gold
The morning session proved to be a harsh reality check for Rest of India. Captain Rajat Patidar, a notable half-centurion from the first innings, fell victim to a sharp caught-and-bowled by the persistent Aditya Thakare, extinguishing a key source of stability. The momentum quickly swung Vidarbha`s way as Ruturaj Gaikwad followed suit, edging Darshan Nalkande to the wicketkeeper after a brief stay. The early tremors rapidly escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving Rest of India`s middle order exposed.
Even the usually unflappable Ishan Kishan, known for his aggressive instincts, struggled to find his rhythm. After contributing 35 runs, his patience wore thin, leading him to dance down the track to left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, only to hole out to a fielder at deep midwicket. When Saransh Jain was trapped plumb in front by Harsh Rakhade, Rest of India found themselves reeling at 133 for 6, seemingly adrift in a sea of Vidarbha`s disciplined bowling.
Yash Dhull`s Heroic Stand: A Glimmer of Hope
Just as Vidarbha began to envisage an early celebration, a defiant partnership emerged, reminding everyone that in cricket, victory is never assured until the final wicket falls. Yash Dhull, the 22-year-old batting at No. 6, displayed remarkable composure and intent. He found an equally determined ally in Manav Suthar, and together, they crafted a crucial 104-run seventh-wicket stand that breathed life back into Rest of India`s chase.
Dhull’s innings was a blend of calculated aggression and elegant strokeplay. His 92 runs came off just 117 balls, adorned with eight boundaries and a towering six. For a significant period, this partnership defied Vidarbha`s efforts, pushing the target within a conceivable, albeit still challenging, reach. Spectators and players alike held their breath, witnessing a valiant attempt to pull victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Breakthrough: Thakur and Dubey Seal the Deal
However, the champions always find a way to navigate turbulent waters. The pivotal moment arrived when Yash Thakur, Vidarbha`s leading pacer, claimed the prized wicket of Dhull. Attempting a forceful uppercut, Dhull failed to clear the deep third-man boundary, his courageous innings ending agonizingly short of a century. The visible relief on Thakur`s face, matched by a brief, spirited exchange between the two players, highlighted the sheer pressure of the situation. Thakur, now brimming with confidence, struck again immediately, cleaning up Anshul Kamboj`s stumps with a perfectly pitched length delivery. With Rest of India tottering at 237 for 8, Vidarbha could almost taste victory.
Harsh Dubey, who had consistently troubled the batsmen, then delivered the final knockout blows. He lured Akash Deep into an expansive cover drive with a flighted delivery, disturbing the bails in a flash. Although Manav Suthar battled resolutely to notch his sixth first-class fifty alongside the No. 11 batsman Gurnoor Brar, the outcome was inevitable. Dubey fittingly claimed the final wicket, finishing with an impressive 4 for 73, and cementing Vidarbha’s triumph.
Match Summary: A Battle of Innings
- Vidarbha 1st Innings: 342 runs (Atharva Taide 143, Yash Rathod 91; Akash Deep 3-51)
- Rest of India 1st Innings: 214 runs (Rajat Patidar 66, Abhimanyu Easwaran 52; Yash Thakur 4-66)
- Vidarbha 2nd Innings: 232 runs (Anshul Kamboj 4-34)
- Rest of India 2nd Innings: 267 runs (Yash Dhull 92, Manav Suthar 56*; Harsh Dubey 4-73)
Result: Vidarbha beat Rest of India by 93 runs.
A Legacy Reinforced: Vidarbha`s Dominance
Vidarbha`s Irani Cup victory was not merely a result of their final-day heroics but a testament to their consistent performance throughout the match. Their formidable first-innings total of 342, anchored by Atharva Taide`s magnificent 143 and Yash Rathod`s crucial 91, provided the essential platform. This substantial score allowed their bowlers, led by Yash Thakur`s incisive four-wicket haul in the first innings, to gain a significant advantage by restricting Rest of India to 214.
Even a four-wicket burst from Anshul Kamboj in Vidarbha`s second innings, which restricted them to 232, could not erase the advantage. The initial lead meant that a target of 361 on a fifth-day pitch was always going to be a colossal challenge for Rest of India, despite their fighting spirit.
This third Irani Cup title solidifies Vidarbha`s position as a powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket. Their ability to foster talent, execute strategic plans, and perform under pressure has consistently yielded results. While Yash Dhull`s valiant effort will be fondly remembered, it is Vidarbha`s collective might, their unwavering focus, and the timely interventions of bowlers like Harsh Dubey and Yash Thakur that have once again etched their name into the glorious history of the Irani Cup. The celebrations, undoubtedly, will be long and well-deserved, marking another chapter in Vidarbha`s cricketing ascendancy.
