Left-handers turned out to be the flavour on the opening day of the Irani Cup conflict between Ranji Trophy champion Vidarbha and the Remainder of India on the VCA Stadium in Jamtha on the outskirts of Nagpur.
It was Manav Suthar, among the many most highly-rated left-arm spinners within the nation, who drew first blood. Working with a touch of drift and sharp dip, he dismissed Dhruv Shorey (missed the flip) and the promising Danish Malewar (edge to the keeper off one which pitched within the channel and spun sufficient) in the identical over to peg Vidarbha again within the morning session. For some time, the Remainder of India appeared on high.
However Taide (118 n.o., 240b, 12×4, 1×6), the compact left-handed opener, and his clubmate Yash Rathod (91, 153b, 6×4, 1×6), one other southpaw with a aptitude for strokeplay, quickly altered the script. The duo stitched collectively a commanding 184-run stand for the third wicket, lifting Vidarbha right into a place of power.
Had it not been for his or her affiliation, Vidarbha would have struggled to finish the day at 280 for 5 at stumps on the opening day of the five-day fixture.
Their partnership, marked by calm assurance and an instinctive understanding of one another’s recreation, was an exhibition of fluent batting. Singles have been stolen, gaps have been pierced, and stress was methodically transferred again to the bowlers because the monitor eased out beneath the afternoon solar.
Suthar, nevertheless, ensured that the Remainder of India didn’t lose full management. With the second new ball not distant, he lured Rathod right into a miscued lofted drive to interrupt the partnership and inject some life into his aspect. And minutes earlier than stumps, Akash Deep – the one different wicket-taker – snared an edge off captain Akshay Wadkar’s edge with the brand new ball.
Taide, the star of the day, loved good-looking luck within the morning session. He was bowled by Akash solely to be reprieved by a no-ball name on replay. Quickly after, Ishan Kishan spilled an easy likelihood off the identical bowler, minutes after a pointy catch to dismiss Shorey. Taide made full use of the reprieves, unfurling crisp drives and warranted pulls en path to his century. A lofted six over long-on towards Suthar introduced up the landmark in type.
By the tip of the day, it was evident that left-handers — with bat and ball — had left an indelible imprint on the competition, establishing an intriguing battle for the following 4 days.
Transient scores
Vidarbha (Atharva Taide 118 n.o., Yash Rathod 91; Manav Suthar 3/64, Akash Deep 2/35)
Printed on Oct 01, 2025