From the quiet resolve in his stance to the fierce internal monologue beneath his helmet, Vidarbha's Aman Mokhade is letting his bat do the talking in a spectacular 2023-24 domestic season. After a period of waiting in the wings, the right-handed batter has exploded into form, becoming one of the most consistent run-scorers across formats.
From Frustration to Dominance: A Season of Redemption
The previous season was a test of patience for Mokhade. With established players like Yash Rathod and Danesh Malewar securing their spots in the Vidarbha lineup, opportunities were limited. When chances did come, they failed to translate into big scores, deepening his frustration. However, this season has been a story of remarkable transformation and unwavering focus.
In the red-ball arena, Mokhade has been a pillar for Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy. Across five matches, he has accumulated 577 runs at a staggering average of 96.16, which includes three centuries and a highest score of 183. This prolific form seamlessly transitioned into the white-ball Vijay Hazare Trophy. In just five innings there, he has hammered 487 runs at an astronomical average of 121.75, striking three more hundreds. His unbeaten 150 against Baroda on a recent Saturday was a masterclass in controlled aggression, underlining his current dominance.
The Man Behind the Runs: Self-Talk and Stubborn Grit
There is nothing flashy about Mokhade's batting. His technique is orthodox, and his celebrations are muted—often just a clenched fist or a brief glance upward before he refocuses. The real action, as his coach reveals, happens internally. "He talks to himself a lot while batting," the coach says. "One bad shot and he's furious. If you're fielding close in, you hear everything he tells himself."
This relentless self-critique and hunger for improvement define him. His cricket journey began at the Pravin Hinganikar Cricket Academy before he moved to the Nagpur Cricket Academy five years ago, where his reputation for stubborn determination took root. Recently, this drive led him to Mumbai for specialized sessions, including a detailed conversation with domestic cricket legend Wasim Jaffer.
Mastering the Details: The Jaffer Influence and Future Hopes
The focus in Mumbai was intensely specific. "He worked extensively on his pull shot, which had been a weakness," his coach shared. "He would practise it repeatedly, talking to himself, correcting small details." This meticulous attention to technical refinement is now paying rich dividends on the field.
If Mokhade maintains this extraordinary vein of form, he will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of Vidarbha's campaigns in both the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The team management would be more than happy if he continues his private, restless dialogues at the crease, as long as his bat continues to produce such loud and clear statements of intent.
MOKHADE'S RUN FEAST IN 2023-24 SEASON:
Vijay Hazare Trophy:
Runs: 487 | HS: 150* | 100s: 3 | 50s: 1 | Average: 121.75 | Fours: 53 | Sixes: 13
Ranji Trophy (5 Matches):
Runs: 577 | HS: 183 | Average: 96.16 | 100s: 3 | 50s: 1
