Vidarbha’s R. Samarth Bounces Back with Century and Fifty in Ranji Trophy

Ravikumar Samarth, the 33‑year‑old batter who joined Vidarbha from Uttarakhand last season, has turned the tide for his side in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A. After a modest debut season where he scored 284 runs at an average of 28.40, Samarth has already registered a century and a fifty in just three matches of the current campaign.

The momentum began against defending champions Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar, where Samarth produced a brilliant 143. The knock lifted Vidarbha from 103‑6 to a first‑innings lead and gave the player a confidence boost he described as “one of the better innings of my career.”

Three days later, at VCA Jamtha Stadium in Nagpur, Samarth added a patient 53 against Goa on Day 2. He said the key to his improved form was simply getting settled in a different batting position and learning to convert starts into larger scores. “I was getting those starts, but I didn’t convert them last year,” he reflected.

Samarth noted that the new‑ball bowlers from Goa were disciplined in the early overs, forcing him to bide his time before opening up. Once the ball was negotiated, he felt he could score freely.

The only disappointment was a catch behind off former Karnataka teammate Vasuki Koushik, which Samarth admitted was “irritating.”

With a century and a fifty already under his belt, Samarth is now enjoying a new-found momentum that could prove vital for Vidarbha as the Ranji Trophy progresses.