The ongoing Irani Cup 2025 between reigning Ranji Trophy winners Vidarbha and the Rest of India (ROI) side is building up to be an exciting battle. A number of top domestic cricketers and IPL stars are also featuring in the contest, making it a high-octane affair.
The ROI side, specifically, boasts of a star-studded lineup with the likes of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, alongside IPL winning leader with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Rajat Patidar and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan headlining the lineup.
However, Ruturaj and Ishan Kishan had a forgettable outing in the middle, departing cheaply for scores of 9 and 1, respectively. Rajat Patidar, who has been out of the India Test fray since playing three Tests in his debut series back in early 2024, on the other hand, stepped up with a gritty 42* at Stumps on Day 2 of the match.
Patidar has looked in good form in red-ball cricket of late, and he finished as the top run-scorer in the recent Duleep Trophy 2025 with 382 runs from five innings averaging at 76.40.
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Speaking about the match, Ruturaj and Ishan’s quick dismissals put the ROI side on the backfoot as they lost half their side and went from 105/3 to 124/5.
However, both Patidar and Easwaran, who are fighting to earn a Test recall gave a testament to their sheer red-ball skills by digging deep and keeping the ROI side alive despite the mini collapse.
While Abhimanyu had to depart for a fifty (52 off 112) after opening the innings, Patidar stayed not out as ROI finished with 142/5 at end of play on Day 2.
Earlier, Vidarbha posted 342 in their first innings, courtesy of a brilliant century (143 off 283) from another SRH man, Atharva Taide and a 91 off 153 from the young Yash Rathod.
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