Vidarbha vs Rest of India – Irani Cup 2025 Match Preview

Date: October 1, 2025
Time: 09:30 AM IST / 05:00 GMT
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Format: First-Class (Test Match)

Match Overview

The 2025 Irani Cup is set to begin on October 1, 2025, with a thrilling clash between Vidarbha, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, and a Rest of India (ROI) side handpicked by the BCCI. This annual contest is one of the most prestigious fixtures in Indian domestic cricket, serving as a bridge between state-level competition and national representation.

The match will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions and excellent facilities. With a history of producing exciting cricket, Nagpur promises to be the perfect stage for this eagerly anticipated encounter.

Team Insights

Vidarbha – The Current Ranji Champions

Vidarbha's 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign was nothing short of dominant. The team secured seven wins from eight league matches and showcased a balanced squad with both batting depth and bowling variety. Key performers like Yash Rathod and Atharva Taide were instrumental in their success.

Yash Rathod, with 1879 first-class runs at an average of 55.26, is the cornerstone of their batting lineup. The team will be led by Akshay Wadkar, who brings experience and composure to the captaincy role.

Predicted Playing XI (Vidarbha):

1. Atharva Taide
2. Dhruv Shorey
3. Aman Mokhade
4. Yash Rathod
5. Akshay Wadkar (Wicketkeeper)
6. Harsh Dubey (Allrounder)
7. Darshan Nalkande
8. Akshay Karnewar
9. Parth Rekhade
10. Yash Thakur
11. Aditya Thakare

Winning Chances: 45%

Rest of India – A Star-Studded Lineup

The Rest of India side is led by Rajat Patidar, a proven performer in domestic cricket with 5120 runs and 114 wickets in first-class cricket. His all-round ability and leadership experience make him a strong figure for the ROI team.

The squad features a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talents, including Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Tanush Kotian. The bowling attack, led by Manav Suthar, Akash Deep, and Gurnoor Brar, brings in valuable pace and swing options.

Predicted Playing XI (Rest of India):

1. Abhimanyu Easwaran
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
3. Yash Dhull
4. Rajat Patidar (Captain)
5. Shaikh Rasheed
6. Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
7. Tanush Kotian (Allrounder)
8. Manav Suthar
9. Akash Deep
10. Khaleel Ahmed
11. Gurnoor Brar

Winning Chances: 55%

Head-to-Head & Key Stats

• Vidarbha has a 2-0 record against Rest of India in the Ranji Trophy.
• The ROI has been the most successful team in the Irani Cup, having won 30 titles.
• Vidarbha last won the Irani Cup in the 2018/19 edition.

Player to Watch

Yash Rathod (Vidarbha):
The Vidarbha skipper is in sensational form, with an average of 55.26 in first-class cricket. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key player for success.

Rajat Patidar (Rest of India):
A consistent performer with both bat and ball, Patidar is a formidable all-rounder. His leadership and match-winning ability make him a strong bet for the ROI side.

Tanush Kotian (Rest of India):
The experienced off-spinner is a reliable option in Nagpur's conditions. His ability to extract turn and break partnerships can be crucial in the middle overs.

Venue & Weather

Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur is a batting-friendly venue with a vast field and a history of producing high-scoring matches. The weather forecast is clear, with no threat of rain, ensuring a full five-day contest.

Betting Tips

• Top Batsman: Rajat Patidar (ROI)
• Top Bowler: Tanush Kotian (ROI)
• All-Rounder: Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha)

Conclusion

The Irani Cup 2025 promises to be a high-quality red-ball contest between two well-balanced sides. While Vidarbha will be riding on the momentum of their Ranji title, the Rest of India side, led by Rajat Patidar, has the firepower and experience to challenge for victory.

With Nagpur’s batting-friendly track, fans can expect a thrilling five-day battle that could see both teams push for a win. This match not only serves as a platform for domestic players to showcase their talent but also acts as a stepping stone for national selection.

Catch the action from October 1 to 5 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur!
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