In a groundbreaking moment for Indian domestic cricket, Vidarbha clinched their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title in the 2025-26 edition, defeating Saurashtra in a thrilling final on Sunday. This prestigious List A tournament saw Vidarbha rise to glory for the first time, powered by standout performances from five key players—three batsmen and two bowlers—who turned the tide in their favor.
Opener Atharva Taide stole the show in the final with a match-winning century, earning Player of the Match honors. His explosive knock set the tone for Vidarbha’s victory over the two-time champions Saurashtra. But Taide was just one part of a stellar lineup that dominated the tournament.
Leading the batting charts was Aman Ravindra Mokhade, the right-handed opener who amassed 814 runs in 10 matches. Boasting five centuries and one half-century, his average stood at an impressive 90.44, with a highest score of 150 not out. Mokhade’s consistency was the backbone of Vidarbha’s batting prowess.
Dhruv Shorey wasn’t far behind, scoring 515 runs in nine innings with two centuries and a half-century. His average of 73.57 and top score of 136 placed him among the season’s top eight batsmen, providing crucial stability in the middle order.
R Samarth contributed solidly with 452 runs in eight innings across 10 matches, including one century and three half-centuries. His aggressive yet calculated approach complemented the top order perfectly.
On the bowling front, pacer Yash Thakur emerged as Vidarbha’s strike weapon, claiming 19 wickets in nine matches to rank as the fourth-highest wicket-taker. In the final itself, he ripped through Saurashtra’s lineup, taking 4 for 50, proving his mettle under pressure.
Nachiket Bhute supported with 18 wickets in nine games, his pace and accuracy troubling opposition batsmen throughout. These five heroes scripted Vidarbha’s fairy-tale journey, marking a new chapter in their cricketing history and inspiring future generations in domestic circuits.