In the shadows of the cricketing world’s spotlight, there exists a tale of perseverance and consistent excellence embodied by Akshay Wadkar. While names like Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, and K S Bharat command attention, Wadkar quietly pursues his dream. He is steadily building a remarkable career as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
He made my debut for Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in the 2012–13 season as a teenager. Wadkar’s true prowess unfolded in red-ball cricket during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season. Despite a modest start, he etched his name in the annals of cricketing history as Vidarbha clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
In the tournament, Wadkar showcased his mettle by amassing 308 runs at an impressive average of 61.60. His defining moment came in the final against Delhi, where he notched up his maiden first-class century, playing a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s historic triumph.
The subsequent seasons further solidified Wadkar’s status as a prolific run-scorer. In the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, he accumulated 725 runs in 11 matches at an average of 60.41, contributing significantly to Vidarbha’s successful title defence.
Will Akshay Wadkar get a national call?
Now, at 29, Akshay Wadkar has assumed the captaincy of the Vidarbha team for the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Under his leadership, Vidarbha finished atop Group A with 33 points, securing a spot in the knockouts.
While Wadkar may not boast a century in the ongoing season, his impact is undeniable. With 431 runs at an average of 43.10, he has been a consistent performer, showcasing resilience and class with six crucial half-centuries. His recent streak of five consecutive fifties highlights his form, interrupted only by a commendable 38 in the second inning against Haryana.
As the cricketing world echoes with the names of young talents, Akshay Wadkar’s journey stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit and quiet determination that propel athletes to remarkable heights.
Despite the lack of international exposure, his consistent performances in domestic cricket continue to speak volumes about his skill and potential, leaving fans and selectors alike eager to witness his future contributions to Indian cricket.
