Vidarbha off-spinner Akshay Wakhare retired from the Ranji Trophy as the side won its third title. Based on their first-innings lead in the summit clash, which ended in a draw at their home ground on March 2, Vidarbha emerged champions.
Kerala, playing their maiden Ranji Trophy final, fought hard, but Vidarbha were rewarded for their incredible hard work and discipline throughout a season in which they not only clinched the Ranji Trophy but also ended as the finalists in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey attracted plenty of attention throughout the season and ended up with 69 wickets at an average of 16.98. He too was over the moon after being adjudged the player of the tournament.
"It's a dream-come-true moment. We lost the final last year. Akshay (Wakhare) bhai is retiring, so for him, it's a big thing. In the off-season, I worked on my fitness and skills. This is a result of all that.
"I have a simple plan: take it one game at a time. I try to bowl in the right areas. I wouldn't call myself a bowling all-rounder; rather, I'm a batting all-rounder.
"I love batting! The end goal is to play for India, and I don't want to complicate things thinking about it from now," he said making his aspirations amply clear.
Player of the match Malewar could not be more pleased to perform in the all important clash, scoring 153 and 73 in his two innings.
"It was a great season for me. I got a lot of experience and learnings. I was able to contribute, and luckily, I had an impact in the final. I was prepared to get to a hundred; I was getting out in the 50s or 60s. Luckily, I was able to convert (into a hundred)," said Malewar.
Wakhare's first-class record
Wakhare's last Ranji outing came in during the Vidarbha vs Tamil Nadu clash in Nagpur. He picked up 344 wickets in his 105 first-class appearances. He also scored 1048 runs. He made his debut for Vidarbha on November 23 against Kerala at the Palakkad stadium
