How Vidarbha Became a Ranji Trophy Powerhouse After Years of Struggle

thenewsdirt
Apr 15
6 min read

For decades, Vidarbha’s presence in Indian domestic cricket was marked by struggle, low expectations, and a lack of visibility.

The region had the players, the support base, and the desire, but success remained elusive. Between the mid-twentieth century and the end of the 2010s, the Vidarbha team barely made a mark in the country’s premier domestic tournament, the Ranji Trophy.

But between 2017 and 2025, the same team that had often failed to make it past the group stages lifted the coveted title three times, defeating powerhouses with longer histories and far deeper trophy cabinets.

The turnaround was neither sudden nor accidental. It was driven by key leadership decisions, a shift in internal culture, and consistent efforts to build a professional sporting environment.

As other teams watched from the sidelines, Vidarbha stepped forward and forced a new conversation about what defines a successful domestic side in Indian cricket.

A Place on the Margins

Indian domestic cricket has long been shaped by dominance from a handful of state teams. Sides like Mumbai, Karnataka, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu enjoyed established pipelines of talent, historical legacies, and state-level sporting infrastructure.

These teams featured players who often progressed quickly into the national setup, and their victories became regular entries in the cricketing calendar.

Vidarbha, in contrast, struggled to keep pace. The team rarely made it to the knockout rounds, and even when it did, progress was limited.

The performances were inconsistent, the morale often low, and the cricketing ecosystem around the team lacked the competitive intensity found in traditional centres. Players from the region had fewer role models to follow, and the cycle of underachievement remained unbroken for years.

Cricketing talent in Vidarbha was never absent. But systems to harness it were weak. Infrastructural support, talent development pathways, and professional coaching standards did not match what existed in dominant states.

Consequently, even potential prospects from the region often faded without achieving consistent impact in the domestic circuit.

Change at the Helm

Vidarbha after their Ranji Match Victory

The 2017–18 season marked the start of a new phase for Vidarbha cricket. The team made critical changes at both the coaching and administrative levels.

The appointment of Chandrakant Pandit as head coach brought in a new vision. Known for his rigorous methods and proven results, Pandit brought a structure and seriousness that had long been missing.

His previous success with Mumbai gave him credibility, but it was his ability to create discipline and self-belief that defined his role in Vidarbha’s rise.

Pandit, along with captain Faiz Fazal and a committed support staff, began transforming how the team approached the game. The focus was not limited to skill-building. Systems were put in place to reinforce professionalism across every layer.

Practice sessions became more regimented. Players were fined during nets for mistakes such as no-balls. Beyond technical coaching, Pandit also worked closely with players to improve their mental approach, pushing them to believe in consistent performance against stronger opposition.

The 2017–18 campaign saw results that had long eluded the side. Vidarbha won matches against better-ranked teams with confidence. Wins against Punjab, Services, and Bengal in the group stage underlined their growing dominance.

The semifinal and final displayed both skill and temperament. Facing Delhi, one of Indian domestic cricket’s most successful teams, Vidarbha played with composure and secured a historic nine-wicket victory.

The title win was not only a reward for a season of disciplined cricket. It also challenged assumptions about which teams could realistically compete for major honours. Vidarbha had shifted the narrative.

Building on Momentum

The true test of progress is not just a single win but the ability to sustain performance over time. In the 2018–19 season, Vidarbha did just that.

The team defended both the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Cup, a rare achievement in Indian domestic cricket. Only two teams before them had managed to retain both titles in consecutive years.

This phase confirmed that the previous season’s title was not a fluke. Consistent team selection, structured training routines, and disciplined game planning formed the bedrock of Vidarbha’s success.

Players like Sanjay Ramaswamy, Ganesh Satish, and Faiz Fazal kept the batting line-up stable. The bowlers, including Akshay Wakhare, Siddesh Neral, and Lalit Yadav, ensured control in all phases of the game. Fielding standards were raised, and match strategies were adjusted based on detailed opposition assessments.

More importantly, there was no reliance on short-term transfers or external signings. Most players in the squad had risen through the Vidarbha system.

This emphasis on regional development created a stronger team identity and a deeper sense of ownership among players. Each game became an opportunity to reinforce not just skill but a mindset rooted in accountability and belief.

The influence of leadership remained central. Pandit’s methods continued to shape the team’s collective approach, while Fazal provided on-field composure and tactical awareness. Together, they maintained a performance culture that was no longer about avoiding defeat but about playing to win, regardless of the opponent.

A New Phase, A Continuing Standard

By the 2024–25 season, Vidarbha’s system had matured enough to withstand changes in personnel and leadership.

Akshay Wadkar took over as captain, and Usman Ghani stepped in as head coach. Even with this transition, the side performed at a level that reinforced the strength of the systems that had been built.

Vidarbha finished the league stage of the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy with six wins in seven matches, securing 40 points and topping their group.

In the quarterfinals, they defeated Tamil Nadu by 198 runs. The semifinal saw them eliminate Mumbai with an 80-run win. The final, played against Kerala, ended in a draw, but Vidarbha secured the title based on a first-innings lead.

The third title in less than a decade confirmed that Vidarbha was now part of Indian domestic cricket’s core contenders.

The systems built during the initial transformation years had become self-sustaining. New players stepped in and delivered consistent performances. Preparations remained thorough. Tactical decisions stayed grounded in planning rather than improvisation. The commitment to professional excellence had become a constant rather than an ambition.

The Vidarbha Cricket Association's role in this journey was central. The decision to back a long-term plan, invest in experienced coaching, and develop local talent paid off.

By resisting short-term fixes and focusing on structural reform, the association enabled a shift that redefined what was possible for teams outside traditional cricketing centres.

The broader impact of Vidarbha’s rise was felt across the domestic circuit. Their success prompted other state associations to re-evaluate their own models. It became clear that winning was not the exclusive domain of historically strong teams. With the right systems, even underperforming sides could challenge the status quo. The perception that certain teams were permanent contenders and others were there to make up the numbers began to break down.

Vidarbha's ability to change its fate without relying on high-profile players or expensive reforms changed the expectations around what a domestic side could achieve.

Their transformation was not fuelled by access to elite resources or legacy advantages but by a commitment to structure, clarity in leadership, and focus on internal development. It made the Ranji Trophy more competitive and less predictable, widening the space for regional teams to step into prominence.

When Wadkar and Ghani took over leadership roles in 2024–25, the foundational culture remained intact. It reflected a well-managed transition rather than a reset. The team’s results during this phase confirmed that the methods were institutionalised rather than dependent on individuals.

What set Vidarbha apart was not just the ability to win matches but the consistency with which they executed their plans.

Their match strategies were rooted in research and clarity, not guesswork. Bowlers understood their roles, batsmen adapted to match demands, and field placements were tailored to specific scenarios.

This high level of execution across multiple seasons built pressure on traditional giants, who now faced a side that could match them not just on potential but on preparation and performance.

For the players, the experience extended beyond personal success. Many cricketers who had spent years competing without real recognition now became part of something larger. Their achievements brought attention to regional cricket in central India and raised the bar for what a non-metropolitan team could deliver.

In every match they played between 2017 and 2025, Vidarbha carried the effort of years spent in the background and the conviction that those years could still build a future worth playing for.

Their story shows what becomes possible when a team does not wait for change but builds through one system, one decision, and one game at a time.