Opener Atharva Taide made the most of the early chances given to him, finishing unbeaten on 118 and bringing the fragile Vidarbha to a total of 280 for the loss of 5 wickets at the end of Day 1 of the Irani Cup 2025 against Rest of India at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Taide’s measured and gritty innings alongside Yash Rathod’s superb knock of 91 helped Vidarbha to a competitive total.
Early Setbacks for Vidarbha
The Ranji Trophy winners made a good start and quickly raced to 40 without loss in 7 overs, before the game changed with a flurry of wickets. Vidarbha was soon reduced to 80/3, with Taide nervous at the start of the innings. On the first ball of the second over, pacer Akash Deep bowled Taide, only for the bouncer to be correctly called a no-ball. He was not at his best, but Deep took an important wicket in the 8th over as Aman Mokhade was caught behind by Ishan Kishan for 19. This was confirmed by a review. Taide survived again, as he edged one ball before and another just after, both of which were not given, with Anshul Kamboj at first slip nearly taking a catch in the 11th over.
In the 22nd over, Dhruv Shorey (18) was dropped by Kishan, but he did not last for long, as left-arm spinner Manav Suthar took his wicket in the next over. Two balls later, Suthr took another wicket, Danish Malewar (0), and Vidarbha were now really struggling at 80/3.
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Taide and Rathod Consolidate
Taide responded to the desperate state of the team and, in partnership with Yash Rathod, fought back a strong 184 runs at the fourth wicket. Taide made his innings on good twos and fortitude, with 12 boundaries and a six; Rathod, on the other hand, was 91 off 126 balls, six fours and a six. However, their partnership brought back certain momentum and allowed them to establish a foundation in the remaining innings.
In the 74th over, Gurnoor Brar had trapped Rathod as he mishit an attempted heave off Suthar. The captain of Vidarbha, Akshay Wadkar, had come briefly with Taide, but this had only lasted 11 runs when they lost their 5th wicket at 275, leaving them at 280/5 at the close of the day.
Bowling Highlights for Rest of India
The attack of the Rest of India was spearheaded by Akash Deep and Manav Suthar, who both found their rhythm after a stint away from competitive cricket. Deep’s 2/35 in 14 overs showcased his accuracy, while Suthar’s 3/64 played an important role in securing key mid-order wickets. Other bowlers tried to break partnerships but failed to keep Taide and Rathod’s unyielding confidence in check.
Although wickets were taken, the Rest of India did not score early opportunities, so Vidarbha could control the innings.
Significance of the Irani Cup 2025
The Irani Cup 2025 is one of India’s top domestic matches, pitting the winners of the Ranji Trophy against a best XI from other states. For Vidarbha, who were the champions last season, this match is another test of their depth of talent and ability to handle pressure in first-class cricket.
For the Rest of India, this match is a chance to identify new talent while also testing and challenging older players.
The first day showed how close matches of this type can be, as both resilience and partnerships can quickly transform an increasingly uncertain innings into one that looks like a reasonable innings in first-class cricket.
Looking Ahead
Day 2 has begun with Vidarbha commanding, as Taide is yet to be out, and Yash Thakur is the nightwatchman. The Rest of India will be seeking to get early wickets to turn the tide of play. The spectators will be observing Taide keenly as this may be a turning point in his career as far as domestic cricket in India may be concerned in the long term, and probably in the distant future, a call to national honors.
The Irani Cup 2025 would definitely be a tight one, as both teams have match-winners who can steal the game out of the other. More and bigger partnerships, more high-quality cricket, and more tactical play are the things that fans can expect in the near future.
Brief Scores – Day 1
- Vidarbha: 280/5 in 84 overs
- Atharva Taide 118*
- Yash Rathod 91
- Rest of India: Akash Deep 2/35, Manav Suthar 3/64.
Amit Mishra’s Take:
It was not just 118 not out, but a patience, technique, and control under pressure that allowed Atharva Taide to hit not out 118 on Day 1 of the Irani Cup 2023. During a test match where Vidarbha was lagging at 80/3, Taide remained cool at the finish line, and the gear turned a conscious mind into a sound foundation. Complementarily, Yash Rathod was patient and had an innings of 91, which shows the importance of partnerships in first-class cricket. Whereas in the Rest of India, there were a few bright spots with the ball, the day belonged to Taide, and as the second day approaches, the cricket lovers have much to look forward to, as it may prove to have strategy, drama, and the highest level of domestic cricket, which we want to stay tuned for.
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