Aman Mokhade channeled his frustration from last season into a remarkable performance this year. The Vidarbha batsman piled up 814 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He accepted the player of the tournament award in Bengaluru on Sunday. Mokhade spoke about the intense competition to get into the Vidarbha playing XI. He said he did not get many chances last season. This year, he turned that frustration into runs.
The Vidarbha Talent Factory
Vidarbha boasts an enviable talent pool despite being a smaller unit. The region does not have as many competitive leagues or professional academies as bigger associations like Mumbai or Karnataka. A Vidarbha Cricket Association official explained their unique approach. "We don't get 'ready-made' players like other big associations," the official said. "In Vidarbha, we make players."
Special talents are identified at an early age in Vidarbha. Coaches then work extensively on their game, fitness, and mental aspects. This thought-out process has continued for years. It is a key reason behind Vidarbha's dominance in the domestic circuit and the emergence of many talented players.
Coaching System and Team Camaraderie
Usman Ghani, the current coach of the Vidarbha senior team, has been part of this process for about fifteen years. He has served in various capacities. Ghani told reporters after the Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph that these young players are products of the Vidarbha coaching system.
"Over the years, I have seen them grow together," Ghani said. "I share a good camaraderie with these boys. I know their mindset; they are very confident and that's what we need as a team." This close relationship between coach and players fosters a strong team environment.
Balancing New Talent and Established Players
The Vidarbha team management has perfected a delicate balance. They back talented newcomers while adopting a 'horses for courses' policy for established players. Aman Mokhade is a prime example of this approach. He also scored three First Class centuries this season.
Mokhade received an extended run in the team despite some low scores earlier in the season. Coach Usman Ghani explained their reasoning. "Earlier in the season, Mokhade had a couple of bad matches, but we persisted with him because he is a good talent," Ghani said. "He repaid our faith." This patience with promising players is a hallmark of their strategy.
However, the management does not hesitate to make tough decisions. They drop established names when necessary to get the playing combination right. Fast bowler Darshan Nalkande experienced this ahead of his semifinal exploits. He warmed the bench for a few matches.
The message to Nalkande was clear. The team could not afford to leak runs in the middle overs. This prick to the fast bowler's ego worked wonders. Nalkande picked five wickets to derail Karnataka's chase and their title defense in the semifinal.
Learning from Setbacks
Before the season started, Vidarbha set a target of winning one shorter format trophy. Coach Ghani expressed their confidence in bringing home a white ball format trophy. However, their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy outing did not go well. The team failed to reach the Super League stage.
A team member revealed that this early exit proved a blessing in disguise. It gave them extra time to revisit the drawing board and chalk out fresh strategies. "The result is for everyone to see," the team member said. This ability to learn from failures and adapt quickly contributed to their Vijay Hazare Trophy success.
Looking Ahead to Ranji Trophy Defense
Having achieved their white ball trophy target, Vidarbha has now shifted focus to defending the Ranji Trophy. The team currently sits atop Group Elite 'A' with 25 points. Coach Ghani and his men have set their sights on another triumph. Their systematic approach and strong team ethos position them well for continued success in domestic cricket.
