VHT 2025/26: Padikkal’s 4th Century Outshines Pandya

The currently ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) season provided a feast of exciting and top-class action with plenty of centuries and sweep-taking bowling spells. While Devdutt Padikkal simply continued his fairy tale with yet another century, it was Hardik Pandya whose century simply lit up the stage, only to end up with a losing cause.

Axar Patel Drives Gujarat to Hard-Fought Win

On the day he was left out of India’s ODI squad, Axar Patel made a statement with an incredible knock of 130 off just 111 deliveries, which included five sixes and ten fours. Gujarat cruised to 318/9 thanks to this spectacular innings. Andhra Pradesh battled hard, thanks to CR Gnaneshwar’s century, but were still seven short.

Pant and Arya Rule Delhi Rishabh Pant (67* off 37) and Priyansh Arya (72* off 45) scored heavily against the meagre total of Services’ 179 runs. Their onslaught of 78 runs from just 41 balls helped Delhi win the match inside 20 overs.

Prabhsimran Singh Stars in Punjab’s 10-Wicket Rout

Prabhsimran Singh then smashes an unbeaten 53 off 26 balls as Punjab successfully chases 76 in just 6.2 overs, smashing five sixes in the way.

Arshin Kulkarni Anchors Maharashtra’s Big

Arshin Kulkarni’s composed 114 set the base for a mammoth score of 366/4 for Maharashtra against Mumbai. Contributions from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ramakrishna Ghosh sealed a dominating win.

Sammar Gajjar’s Lone Fight for Saurashtra

With a gallant score of 147 from just 135 deliveries to his name, Sammar Gajjar led his team, Saurashtra, to 294/8 as they overcame Railways by 31 runs despite Ashutosh Sharma’s effort.

Devdutt Padikal was at it again, and he now has his fourth century in the VHT and his flow was such that he scored his 120th ball century to help Karnataka reach 332/7 and register an innings and 80-run victory over Tripura.

Hardik Pandya’s 133 Goes in Vain

Among other highlights of the round, Hardik Pandya slammed an aggressive 133 off 92 balls for Baroda. The right-hander hit 11 towering sixes and eight boundaries in his innings. But an unbeaten 150 from Vidarbha opener Aman Mokhade snatched the thunder as he oversaw a nine-wicket win for his team.

Other Notable Centuries

Parth Vats: 157* led Haryana to a thrilling chase against Odisha

Tilak Varma: 109 powered Hyderabad to a big win over Chandigarh

Sanju Samson & Rohan Kunnummal: Shared a match-winning 212-run opening stand for Kerala

Abhimanyu Easwaran: Solid 102 set up Bengal’s comfortable victory Sameer Rizvi: Quickfire 80* keeps Uttar Pradesh’s winning run intact

Standout Bowling Performances in VHT

Harshit Rana Paces Delhi’s Bowling Attack, his spell of 4 for 47, in tandem with Prince Yadav’s 3 for 28, restricted Services to 178, setting the tone for the easy victory.