Yash Rathod has scored 4 centuries up to now this season.
| Picture Credit score: R.V. MOORTHY
Nearly a 12 months in the past, Yash Rathod introduced himself on the home scene, scoring his maiden First Class century (141) within the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy to assist Vidarbha beat Madhya Pradesh.
As Rathod prepares for the semifinal conflict towards Mumbai beginning Monday, he has change into the lynchpin of Vidarbha’s batting line-up, main the charts for the two-time champion (728) in solely his second full season. The 24-year-old slammed a hat-trick of centuries within the second, third and fourth-round matches within the ongoing version.
Final week, he accomplished his fourth ton of the season within the second innings towards Tamil Nadu within the quarterfinals to bat out the opposition. Regardless of taking a 128-run lead, Vidarbha was in a spot when he walked into bat, and the left-hander ensured his facet set a frightening goal of 401.
Whereas his century within the semis final 12 months confirmed his tenacity, he has additionally didn’t convert begins, which proved expensive.
“I labored onerous earlier than the season on learn how to rating tons of. Final 12 months, I missed out on the Duleep Trophy as a result of I had simply scored one century. I had three 50s however didn’t convert (them),” stated Rathod after his facet’s 198-run win over TN within the last-eight conflict. “So this 12 months, I wished to ensure if I get set, then I have to make it massive.”
Elaborating on his course of, Rathod added, “I haven’t modified a lot technically. It’s nearly mindset. I now solely take into consideration the subsequent ball and nothing else, speaking to myself after each supply.”
Rathod additionally credited the function of coach Usman Gani and skipper Akshay Wadkar for the good run he has had up to now. “The coach and (former Indian pacer) Prashant (Vaidya) sir informed me what wanted to be executed and the way I used to be getting out final 12 months, being unfastened outdoors the off-stump. So I labored onerous within the low season, batting three to 4 hours every day with objective.”
“If you wish to play at a excessive degree, you should rating constantly. I knew I’d play all of the video games this 12 months as a result of skipper Akshay informed me clearly that I’d bat at 5 and what was wanted from me,” he added.
His early red-ball type additionally helped him return to the limited-overs set-up, the place he scored two Checklist-A centuries within the Vijay Hazare Trophy as an opener in Vidarbha’s run to the ultimate.
With an India ‘A’ tour of England later this 12 months, a powerful end to the season might assist his probabilities of being thought-about for that journey.
“I believe I’m heading in the right direction and wish to play for the nation quickly. So no matter I’ve executed up to now is now historical past. If I rating within the semis and finals, it should assist me develop and open doorways,” stated Rathod.
Printed – February 16, 2025 05:38 pm IST
