Yash Rathod is making waves. The 25-year-old Vidarbha batsman is banging on the Indian cricket team’s door. His runs in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy are hard to ignore—he finished as the top run-getter with 960 runs at an average of 53.33, including a superb 151 in the semifinal against Mumbai. Carrying that form into the 2025 Duleep Trophy, Rathod impressed again, scoring an unbeaten 87 in the first innings and 78 in the second innings against North East Zone. With consistent performances across domestic tournaments and big knocks in pressure games, he’s making a strong case for national selection.
A Run Machine in Ranji Trophy
Yash Rathod owned the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. He scored 960 runs in 10 matches. That’s the most by any batsman. His average was a solid 53.33. He smashed five centuries and three fifties. These weren’t just runs. They helped Vidarbha win their third title.
Rathod’s big moments came in tough games. Against Puducherry, Vidarbha were 14 for 4. He scored 118 to save them. Against Uttarakhand, at 64 for 3, he made 135. In the semi-final against Mumbai, he smashed 151 after a collapse. That knock won him Player of the Match. His runs changed games. They weren’t just numbers.
Shining in Knockout Matches
Big players shine in big moments. Rathod proved this. In the Ranji Trophy quarter-final, he scored 112 against Tamil Nadu. In the semi-final, his 151 crushed Mumbai’s hopes. These weren’t easy runs. He came in when his team was in trouble. He stayed calm. He built big innings. This shows he can handle pressure. It’s a skill India needs in Tests and ODIs.
More Than Just Red-Ball Cricket
Rathod isn’t just a red-ball star. He shines in 50-over cricket too. In the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 406 runs in 8 innings. His best was 116 off 101 balls in the semi-final. It had 14 fours and a six. He helped Vidarbha reach the final. His List A average is 47.72 with three centuries. This shows he can adapt. He can anchor or attack. That’s perfect for ODIs.
A Strong Foundation
Rathod’s success isn’t new. He’s been scoring runs for years. In 2023-24, he made 490 runs at 54.38. He scored 141 in the semi-final against Madhya Pradesh. As a junior, he won awards for topping run charts. In the 2017-18 Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, he scored 945 runs at 94.5. He led Vidarbha to the title. He played for India Under-19 too. His talent is clear.
Why Not India Yet?
India’s middle order is tough to crack. Stars like Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar are in the race. But Rathod stands out. He scored more runs than anyone in 2024-25. His three knockout centuries in two seasons are unmatched. Others have big runs too. But Rathod’s clutch performances make him special.
His T20 game needs work. He admits it. After a weak T20 season, he said, “I need to improve in white-ball.” This honesty shows he’s ready to grow. His red-ball and 50-over records are enough for now.
Voices of Support
People are talking about Rathod. Former India player Robin Uthappa was shocked when Rathod missed the India ‘A’ tour. He said, “I’d feel let down if I was Yash Rathod. He’s the best in first-class cricket right now.” Fans agree. If the Ranji Trophy’s top scorer isn’t picked, what’s the point of domestic cricket?
The Path Forward
Yash Rathod’s case is clear. His 960 runs demand attention. His big-match knocks show he’s ready. He deserves a spot in India ‘A’ for Tests and ODIs. It’s the next step. After that, he’s a strong pick for the Test team. His left-handed batting adds balance. For ODIs, his Vijay Hazare form makes him a fit. India needs players who perform when it counts. Rathod does that.
Time to Open the Door
Rathod isn’t just knocking. He’s pounding. His runs are his proof. The selectors must listen. Domestic cricket is India’s talent pool. If players like Rathod are ignored, it sends the wrong message. His 2024-25 season was a statement. It’s time to let him shine for India.
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