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Rajat Patidar’s brilliant knock stands out amid Gaikwad, Ishan's struggles in Irani Trophy

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rajat Patidar and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: AFP and @avnishh26/x.com]Rajat Patidar and Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: AFP and @avnishh26/x.com]

While India and West Indies are battling it out in the Test series at the Narendra Modi Stadium, another important contest is underway, the Irani Cup. This year, it features Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha against the Rest of India (ROI), a team made up of the best domestic cricketers from across the country. The match is being played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

Rajat Patidar continues golden run in domestic cricket

On Day 3, Rest of India found themselves in a tough position at 142 for 5, still 200 runs behind Vidarbha’s first-innings total of 342. The only bright spot for ROI was the captain Rajat Patidar, who continued his fine run of form. 

Resuming his innings on 42, Patidar looked confident and composed. He went on to score 66 runs from 135 balls, keeping ROI’s hopes alive before eventually being dismissed by Harsh Dubey with Yash Thakur taking a sharp catch at long off.

Notably, Patidar’s form has been outstanding in domestic cricket. Earlier this season, he captained Central Zone to victory in the Duleep Trophy. Along the way, he scored heavily, a century in the final against South Zone, 77 runs in the semifinal against West Zone, and knocks of 125 and 66 in the quarterfinal against North East Zone. His consistent performances are making a strong case for national selection.

Ishan Kishan and Gaikwad fail with bat

On the flip side, two big names, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad had disappointing outings. Gaikwad, who came in at No.5 and is also the vice-captain of ROI, managed just 9 runs off 13 balls.

Meanwhile, Kishan, batting at No. 6, fell even quicker, scoring only 1 run. Both wickets fell on Day 2, leaving ROI under pressure and raising concerns about their form ahead of potential India call-ups.

By the end of the first innings, Rest of India were bowled out for 214 runs, still trailing Vidarbha by 128. Vidarbha’s bowlers were the stars, especially Yash Thakur, who picked up 4 wickets and kept ROI batters on the back foot. 

Earlier, Vidarbha’s batting charge was led by Atharva Taide with a brilliant 143 and Yash Rathod, who scored a solid 91.