Wadkar to captain Vidarbha in Irani Cup against Rest of India

Akshay Wadkar will captain Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha when they host Rest of India in the Irani Cup, which begins on October 1 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur. Vidarbha named a 16‑member squad on September 24, with Yash Rathod appointed vice‑captain, while the Rest of India side, selected by the national panel, will be led by Rajat Patidar with Ruturaj Gaikwad as his deputy.

The selections set up a clash between Vidarbha, who won the 2024‑25 Ranji Trophy, and a Rest of India team that has historically dominated the fixture. Vidarbha are aiming for their third Irani Cup title after victories in 2017‑18 and 2018‑19. The Rest of India has won the trophy 29 times. Vidarbha’s squad blends established performers and younger talent and will be coached by Usman Ghani, who guided the side during their Ranji campaign.

Wadkar, a wicketkeeper batter, brings substantial first class experience into the captaincy role, with 3,906 runs in 62 matches at an average of 48.82 and 11 centuries. Rathod finished as the leading run scorer in the 2024‑25 Ranji season with 960 runs in 18 innings. The Vidarbha squad also includes seam options such as Yash Thakur and Aditya...