Reigning Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha secured the Vijay Hazare Trophy by defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs, marking a significant addition to their trophy collection. Known for their prowess in red-ball cricket, Vidarbha now boasts the 50-over crown, filling a notable gap in their achievements.
The victory highlighted the coaching prowess of Usman Ghani, who has led Vidarbha to success in various tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy and the Irani Cup. Ghani, speaking exclusively to reporters, shared insights on the team’s triumph, captain Harsh Dubey, standout performer Aman Mokhade, and the team’s depth in match-winners.
Ghani expressed the importance of the Vijay Hazare Trophy win, emphasizing its significance as the team’s first senior white-ball trophy. He credited the team’s perseverance and highlighted the special nature of this achievement for Vidarbha.
Reflecting on his coaching journey with Vidarbha, Ghani underscored the satisfaction of witnessing the team’s growth and success. He commended the support from the association, selectors, and infrastructure that have contributed to the team’s development and achievements.
Ghani praised skipper Harsh Dubey for his strategic acumen and leadership qualities, noting his ability to read game situations effectively. He highlighted Dubey’s camaraderie with the team and his rapid learning curve as a young captain.
The coach lauded the performance of Aman Mokhade, emphasizing the player’s talent and determination. Ghani recognized Mokhade’s journey from junior levels to the senior team, showcasing his consistent excellence and contribution to Vidarbha’s success.
Ghani acknowledged the collective effort of Vidarbha players like Rathod, Nalkande, Taide, Shorey, and Bhute, emphasizing the team’s unity and the diverse contributions that have propelled their victories. He highlighted the team’s collaborative spirit and the shared responsibility for achieving success.
In discussing his coaching philosophy, Ghani emphasized instilling self-discipline and self-belief in the players. He stressed the importance of building confidence and providing players with the freedom to express themselves on the field.
Ghani described his coaching style as emotionally driven, focusing on motivating players and fostering a sense of unity within the team. He emphasized the values of playing for the state, supporting teammates, and celebrating each other’s successes as integral aspects of Vidarbha’s team culture.
Looking back on the team’s journey to the title, Ghani attributed their success to meticulous planning and learning from past experiences. He highlighted the team’s resilience and determination to rectify previous shortcomings, leading to a well-executed campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Following the title win, Ghani and the Vidarbha team celebrated briefly before shifting focus to their upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Andhra Pradesh. The coach expressed gratitude for the team’s support and acknowledged the parallels drawn between him and veteran coach Chandrakant Pandit.
