Vidarbha vs Uttar Pradesh Match Preview – Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26

Date & Time: 29th January 2026, 04:00 GMT (09:30 AM IST)
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur
Live Streaming: Hotstar
Live Score Updates: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, Possible11

Match Overview

The upcoming clash between Vidarbha and Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 season promises to be an intriguing encounter, especially with the conditions at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur likely to favor the bowlers. The dry and cracked pitch could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the match, making it a classic battle between batting resilience and spin/wicket-taking prowess.

Team Analysis

Vidarbha (VID)

Vidarbha, a team known for its strong batting and spin resources, will look to exploit the Nagpur conditions with a well-balanced squad. With a deep batting line-up and a potent spin attack, the hosts are well-equipped to handle the tricky pitch.

Key Players to Watch:

• Akshay Karnewar – A consistent performer with the bat, he can anchor the innings and take the attack to the opposition.
• Danish Malewar – A key wicketkeeper-batter who brings stability and experience.
• Yash Rathod – A middle-order powerhouse with the ability to accelerate the scoring.
• Aman Momand – A versatile all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Vidarbha’s spinners, including Ganesh Bhosle and Shanmesh Deshmukh, could be crucial in the second innings if the pitch deteriorates further.

Uttar Pradesh (UP)

Uttar Pradesh, coming into the match with a squad full of young and talented players, will need to be tactically astute to counter the home advantage. The team’s strength lies in its balanced approach and the presence of death-over specialists, which could be pivotal in a tight contest.

Key Players to Watch:

• Aryan Juyal – A wicketkeeper-batter with a solid technique and a good eye for spin.
• Zeeshan Ansari – A reliable fast bowler who can generate movement and is crucial in the early and middle overs.
• Aaditya Sharma – A left-arm spinner who has shown promise in domestic cricket.
• Vaibhav Chaudhary – A death-over specialist who can swing the game in the final overs.

UP’s spin department, led by Aaditya Sharma and Dhruv Jurel, could be the difference-makers if the pitch turns in their favor.

Pitch and Playing Conditions

The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium is known for producing a dry and cracked surface, especially as the match progresses. This is likely to assist spinners and make batting challenging in the later stages. The first innings could be crucial, and the team batting second might have the advantage if the pitch deteriorates further.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Small League Must-Picks:

• Vidarbha: Akshay Karnewar, Danish Malewar
• Uttar Pradesh: Aryan Juyal, Zeeshan Ansari

Grand League Risky Picks:

• Vidarbha: Yash Rathod, Aman Momand
• Uttar Pradesh: Siddarth Goud, Aaditya Sharma

Match Prediction

This match is expected to be a bowler's paradise, and the team that can handle the spin and maintain a solid top order is likely to come out on top. Vidarbha has the home advantage and a better balance in their spin department, giving them a slight edge. However, Uttar Pradesh, with its talented all-rounders and death-over specialists, can’t be underestimated.

Prediction: Vidarbha to win by a narrow margin.

Streaming & Updates

• Live Streaming: Hotstar
• Live Score Updates: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, Possible11

Final Thoughts

This Vidarbha vs Uttar Pradesh encounter will test the mettle of both teams, with the conditions favoring the bowlers and spinners. The battle between the hosts' spin department and UP's aggressive batting will be fascinating to watch. With a packed squad and no injury concerns, both sides are well-equipped to deliver a thrilling contest.

Don’t miss this exciting match on 29th January 2026!
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