THE third Ranji Tropy title victory forced Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) loosen its purse strings and showers cash rewards on its players and support staff. Vidarbha clinched their third Ranji title defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead at VCA’s Jamtha Stadium on Sunday. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’ after announcing the rewards to the players at the centre of the field, VCA President Justice Vinay M Deshpande, former Judge of Bombay High Court, said that the association is very happy with the performance of the team in the entire tournament. Vidarbha have won nine of the 10 matches they played in Ranji Trophy this season, which reflects the dominance of the team in India’s top domestic competition.

 

“I have announced Rs 3 crore reward to the title winning Vidarbha team,” said an elated VCA President Deshpande. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 69 wickets and scored 476 runs in a season, and won man of the tournament award, has been rewarded with Rs 25 lakh Similarly, Karun Nair, who hit nine centuries with five in Hazare Trophy and four in Ranji Trophy, and Yash Rathod who scored 960 runs this season have been rewarded with Rs 10 lakh each. Head coach Usman Ghani will get Rs 15 lakh while assistant coach Atul Ranade, S&C coach Yuvraj Singh Dasondhi, physio Dr Nitin Khurana, Video Analyst Amit Manikrao will get Rs 5 lakh each. The Massuer Rajsingh Chandel, side arm thrower Yash Thorat and manager Jitendra Darbhe will be rewarded with Rs 2 lakh each. “I believe in giving. The more you give the more you get. The team has done exceptionally well and it is there to be seen. Just now I appreciated and congratulated them and announced the rewards,” a benevolent Deshpande told ‘The Hitavada’, after his mid-ground huddle with the champion squad ended with a huge round of applause.