<p>Traditionally, the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/its-thrice-as-nice-for-vidarbha-23493131" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Vidarbha cricket team</strong></a> was never considered a powerhouse in the Indian domestic cricket scenario.</p>
<p>In another era, Vidarbha languished in the bottom tier of the Ranji Trophy championship.</p>
<p>But one look at the list of recent Ranji Trophy winners will tell you that Vidarbha has claimed the silverware three times (2017-18, 2018-19 and 2024-25) in the last seven seasons. Add two Irani Cup triumphs after their respective Ranji wins in 2018 and 2019 and you have a team that is nothing short of accomplished. Mumbai, who they beat in the semi-finals this year to somewhat make up for the 2023-24 final loss, will only nod in agreement.</p>
<h2>It all started in 2009</h2>
<p>What has made Vidarbha such a formidable force? Things started to change when a residential cricket academy was established in 2009 at the initiative of Prashant Vaidya, the former India fast bowler, who represented Vidarbha for almost a decade (1987-1996) before moving to Bengal.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a recent chat with mid-day, Vaidya, who played four ODIs for India, said: &ldquo;We had the talent, but there was no robust cricketing structure. So in 2009, we established a residential cricket academy for the 14-18 age group in Nagpur.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Vaidya&rsquo;s initial stint with Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) ended in 2012.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After a gap of four years, he returned as vice-president. Now he is chairman of VCA&rsquo;s cricket development committee.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/this-wont-go-out-of-fashion-23342876" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Chandrakant Pandit</strong></a> and Wasim Jaffer were also roped in as coach and player respectively in 2017. These moves had a positive impacts on Vidarbha cricket.</p>
<h2>Pandit&rsquo;s positive impact</h2>
<p>&ldquo;Boys in the age group of 14 to 18 were selected through mass selections in all the districts. Almost all current players are products of the academy.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We got the best coaches who imparted the best technical support and positive exposure required for high performance. Bringing top coaches was important. Paras Mhambrey [former India fast bowler] did a fantastic job. Then, getting Chandrakant Pandit was the correct decision as I knew he could be the best person to do what is required for the Vidarbha cricket team. He instilled the right attitude, self belief and provided winning confidence.&nbsp;</p>
<p>More focus was placed on rural areas to identify talent and put them through the process.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Special focus was given on the training part as that was the area we thought we were lacking a bit. We ran a regular trainers programme and all the junior age groups now follow a uniform training plan. Our teams have performed and won in all age groups which is a sign of a good supply chain and the reason for our&nbsp;<br />consistency,&rdquo; said Vaidya.</p><p>
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After a gap of four years, he returned as vice-president. Now he is chairman of VCA’s cricket development committee

Ranji champs Vidarbha reaping rewards for sound decisions

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