The opening day of the Irani Cup saw Vidarbha’s Atharva Taide endure a nail-biting start against Rest of India (ROI). Barely settled at the crease, Taide was almost dismissed by Akash Deep’s first delivery, a length ball that narrowly grazed his off-stump. What seemed like a dream breakthrough for ROI was quickly overturned by the umpire’s no-ball signal, giving Taide an early reprieve.
Atharva Taide pictured during his impressive knock (PTI Photo)
His fortune continued as he survived two more close calls before 11 AM – a rejected caught-behind appeal that replays later confirmed was an inside edge, and another edge that narrowly missed first slip. These three early scares proved costly for ROI. By the end of day one, Taide had transformed his lucky start into a monumental effort, remaining unbeaten on 118. His resilient century, combined with Vidarbha’s overall score of 280 for five at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, set a strong tone for the match.
Taide’s masterful innings was brilliantly complemented by Yash Rathod’s impactful 91. The duo forged a crucial 184-run partnership for the fourth wicket, transforming Vidarbha’s precarious position of 80 for three into a commanding display. Their contrasting styles – Taide’s calm composure and Rathod’s attacking flair – effectively blunted Rest of India’s bowling attack after Vidarbha elected to bat first, ensuring a promising end to the day for the home side.
Earlier in the day, Rajasthan’s left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, fresh off a stellar eight-wicket haul against Australia ‘A’, had momentarily seized control for ROI. He delivered a double blow in a single over, dismissing Dhruv Shorey with a spinning delivery and then claiming the in-form Danish Malewar, caught behind by Ishan Kishan. These quick wickets in the 23rd over left Vidarbha reeling.
However, Yash Rathod, known for his prolific scoring in the Duleep Trophy, brought a much-needed sense of calm to the crease. Having amassed 374 runs just weeks prior, he continued his impressive form. Rathod’s batting was fluent and composed, with his perfectly timed cover drives being a particular highlight. His innings was adorned with six boundaries and a majestic six off Suthar in the 74th over. Yet, that very aggression proved to be his downfall. In an attempt to reach his century before the new ball, he stepped out to the next delivery, only to miscue it directly to Gurnoor Brar at mid-on. Rathod’s frustrated departure offered a glimmer of hope to ROI.
ROI capitalized on this opening when Vidarbha’s skipper, Akshay Wadkar, fell cheaply to Akash Deep. Deep, who had maintained excellent discipline throughout the day, secured Wadkar’s wicket with a faint edge caught by Ishan Kishan late in the day, having already removed Aman Mokhade earlier. Despite these late setbacks, Taide remained unperturbed, expertly guiding the lower order alongside nightwatchman Yash Thakur until stumps. While Vidarbha’s score of 280 for five doesn’t guarantee dominance, it certainly showcases their fighting spirit. Taide’s continued presence will be pivotal on Thursday morning.
For Rest of India, Manav Suthar was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 64 and consistently providing breakthroughs. Akash Deep also impressed with figures of 2 for 35, notably striking at both the beginning and end of the day. The day’s play concluded with Brief scores: Vidarbha 280/5 (Atharva Taide 118*, Yash Rathod 91; Manav Suthar 3/64, Akash Deep 2/35) against Rest of India.