Wadkar to lead Vidarbha in Ranji opener vs Nagaland

Defending champions Vidarbha have retained wicketkeeper-batter Akshay Wadkar as captain for their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season opener against Nagaland, set to be played in Bengaluru from October 15 to 18. Promising players Shivam Deshmukh and Praful Hinge have been drafted into the 17-member squad, which blends youth and experience as the side begins its title defence.

Vidarbha, who triumphed over Kerala in last season’s final, will compete in Elite Group A, alongside Uttar Pradesh, Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Odisha, Baroda, and Nagaland. The team enters the new campaign with confidence after a commanding 93-run victory over the Rest of India in the recent Irani Cup.

The squad, however, will miss the services of their star batter Karun Nair, who has been replaced by Ravikumar Samarth from Karnataka. Usman Ghani continues as head coach, with Dharmender Ahlawat serving as his deputy.

Among the key players, Harsh Dubey, the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, stands out after setting a remarkable Ranji record of 69 wickets last season. Meanwhile, vice-captain Yash Rathod, who topped the run charts with 960 runs, and Danish Malewar, who finished fifth with 783 runs, will be vital to Vidarbha’s batting strength. Skipper Wadkar himself enjoyed a prolific campaign last year, scoring 722 runs as the team remained unbeaten throughout the season.

Vidarbha’s balance of seasoned performers and rising talent reflects a squad well-prepared for another strong Ranji run.

Vidarbha squad: Akshay Wadkar (captain & 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.