Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Vidarbha announce 17-member squad for season opener against Nagaland

The defending champions Vidarbha have unveiled their 17-member squad for the season-opening Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland, scheduled at the Nagaland Cricket Association Stadium from October 15-18. Akshay Wadkar will lead the team, with Shivam Deshmukh and Praful Hinge among the notable inclusions.

Vidarbha clinched last season’s title by defeating Kerala in the final and come into the new season on the back of a commanding 93-run victory over the Rest of India in the Irani Cup. However, they will be without the services of star batter Karun Nair, who has been replaced by Karnataka’s Ravikumar Samarth. Usman Ghani will continue as head coach, supported by assistant coach Dharmender Ahlawat.

The squad boasts a blend of experience and youth. The left-arm spin all-rounder Harsh Dubey, who claimed a record 69 wickets in last season’s Ranji Trophy, will be key in the bowling attack. The left-handed batter Yash Rathod, the top run-scorer across all teams with 960 runs, including five centuries and three fifties, returns to lead the batting line-up, alongside Danish Malewar, who amassed 783 runs last season. The skipper Akshay Wadkar also had a prolific season, scoring 722 runs in Vidarbha’s unbeaten campaign.

Vidarbha has been placed in Elite Group A alongside Uttar Pradesh, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Odisha, Baroda, and Nagaland. With a balanced squad featuring consistent performers and record-breaking talent, the defending champions will look to start the new Ranji season on a strong note.

Vidarbha Squad:

Akshay Wadkar (c&wk), Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Danish Malewar, Yash Rathod (vc), Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, Yash Thakur, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Aditya Thakare, Yash Kadam, Shivam Deshmukh (wk), Praful Hinge, Akshay Karnewar, Dhruv Shorey, R Samarth.

Support staff:

Usman Ghani (head coach), Dharmender Ahlawat (assistant coach), Yuvraj Singh Dasondhi (strength and conditioning), Dr Nitin Khurana (physio), Ajeenkya Sawale (video analyst), Bhushan Zhade (masseur), Yash Thorat (sidearm throw), and Jitendra Dharbhe (manager).

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