Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium holds a special significance for Akshay Wakhare, the team’s veteran off-spinner. Wakhare is one of only two players in the current Vidarbha squad to have played in the team’s solitary Ranji Trophy game at the iconic venue, and he is the only cricketer to have featured in both of Vidarbha’s previous Ranji encounters against Mumbai.
Despite the ghosts of the 2013-14 clash, where Vidarbha was outplayed by a dominant Mumbai side, Wakhare exudes confidence that his team will approach the final as just another game. He believes that the majority of the Vidarbha players are accustomed to the pressure of big occasions and will not be overawed by the atmosphere or the location.
Wakhare acknowledges the challenge of facing Mumbai, a team with a rich history and an impressive record in the Ranji Trophy. However, he emphasizes that Vidarbha has made significant strides in recent years and is no longer an underdog. The team’s exposure to various levels of cricket, including the IPL and age-group tournaments, has instilled a sense of self-confidence in the younger players.
While Wakhare does not forget the drubbing Vidarbha received at the hands of Zaheer Khan-led Mumbai at the Wankhede in 2013-14, he believes that the team has learned from its mistakes and is better prepared for the challenge this time around. He is confident that Vidarbha will not be overawed by the occasion and will give a strong account of itself in the Ranji Trophy final.
