The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 has officially drawn to a close, delivering yet another season of high-quality domestic one-day cricket in India. While Vidarbha emerged as champions after a convincing performance in the final, Saurashtra’s journey to the runners-up position was nothing short of remarkable. The tournament not only showcased intense competition but also highlighted a group of players from Saurashtra who consistently outperformed expectations and dominated the season with bat and ball.
In the grand final, Vidarbha defeated Saurashtra by 38 runs, defending a strong total of 317 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Chasing the target, Saurashtra fought bravely but were bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs. Although the trophy slipped out of their grasp, Saurashtra’s campaign was powered by individual brilliance, depth in batting, and disciplined bowling performances.
This edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy proved to be a breakthrough tournament for several Saurashtra players, many of whom now find themselves on the radar of national selectors. From consistent run-scorers at the top to wicket-taking bowlers who turned matches around, Saurashtra’s success was built on collective excellence.
Let us take an in-depth look at the six standout performers from Saurashtra who dominated the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 and played a major role in taking their team to the final.
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 Final: Match Summary
Before diving into individual performances, here is a quick snapshot of the final encounter:
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Vijay Hazare Trophy Final 2025–26 | Neutral Venue | Vidarbha won by 38 runs |
Final Scorecard Summary
| Team | Score | Overs |
| Vidarbha | 317/8 | 50 overs |
| Saurashtra | 279 all out | 48.5 overs |
Despite falling short, Saurashtra displayed resilience and fighting spirit throughout the match, a theme that defined their entire tournament.
1. Harvik Desai – The Run Machine and Inspirational Captain
At the heart of Saurashtra’s success in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 was their captain and opener, Harvik Desai. At just 26 years of age, Desai showcased maturity beyond his years, leading from the front and delivering consistently with the bat.
Harvik finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament, amassing 581 runs in 10 matches at an outstanding average of 64.55. His ability to convert starts into big scores made him one of the most dependable batters of the season.
Harvik Desai – Tournament Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
| 10 | 581 | 64.55 | 110 | 3 | 3 |
Beyond numbers, Harvik’s leadership played a crucial role in guiding a relatively young side through high-pressure situations. His stroke play against both pace and spin stood out, and his calm presence at the crease often set the tone for Saurashtra’s innings.
With 68 fours and 11 sixes, Harvik Desai displayed a perfect balance of aggression and control, making him one of the standout batters of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
2. Ankur Pawar – The Tournament’s Leading Wicket-Taker
While Saurashtra’s batting unit delivered consistently, their bowling attack was spearheaded by Ankur Pawar, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26.
The 26-year-old fast bowler picked up 25 wickets in 10 matches, proving to be a nightmare for opposing batters. Pawar’s ability to swing the ball early and maintain discipline in the death overs made him an invaluable asset.
Ankur Pawar – Bowling Performance
| Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy | Overs Bowled |
| 10 | 25 | 5/27 | 5.86 | 90.5 |
His match-winning spell of 5 wickets for 27 runs was among the best bowling performances of the season. Ankur Pawar consistently provided early breakthroughs and controlled the middle overs, keeping Saurashtra competitive in nearly every match.
3. Vishwaraj Jadeja – The Elegant Opener with Big Hundreds
Another major contributor to Saurashtra’s batting success was Vishwaraj Jadeja, the 27-year-old opener who enjoyed a phenomenal season in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Jadeja scored 545 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 60.55, registering three centuries and two half-centuries. His unbeaten 165 was one of the highest individual scores of the tournament.
Vishwaraj Jadeja – Batting Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
| 10 | 545 | 60.55 | 165* | 3 | 2 |
With 61 fours and 9 sixes, Jadeja combined classical technique with modern shot-making. His ability to play long innings provided stability at the top and allowed Saurashtra’s middle order to play freely.
4. Samar Gajjar – The Rising Star of the Tournament
One of the biggest revelations of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 was Samar Gajjar, a 22-year-old middle-order batter who impressed everyone with his consistency and composure.
Gajjar scored 455 runs in 10 matches at a staggering average of 75.83, which was among the highest in the competition. His ability to finish games and play under pressure made him a key figure in Saurashtra’s batting lineup.
Samar Gajjar – Performance Overview
| Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 100s | 50s |
| 10 | 455 | 75.83 | 147 | 2 | 1 |
In addition to his batting exploits, Samar also contributed with the ball, picking up 2 wickets during the tournament. His all-round potential makes him one of the most exciting young prospects to emerge from this Vijay Hazare Trophy season.
5. Prerak Mankad – The Reliable All-Rounder
Veteran all-rounder Prerak Mankad, aged 31, once again proved his value in the one-day format. Mankad played a crucial role throughout the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, contributing with both bat and ball.
He scored 449 runs in 10 matches at an average of 49.88, including five half-centuries. His fighting knock of 88 runs in the final was a highlight, even though it was not enough to secure victory.
Prerak Mankad – All-Round Performance
| Matches | Runs | Average | 50s | Wickets |
| 10 | 449 | 49.88 | 5 | 7 |
With 51 fours and 7 sixes, Mankad’s ability to accelerate in the middle overs added depth to Saurashtra’s batting. His 7 wickets further underlined his importance as a genuine all-rounder.
6. Chetan Sakaria – Experience and Consistency with the Ball
India international Chetan Sakaria, who has represented the national team in ODIs and T20Is, brought experience and control to Saurashtra’s bowling attack.
Sakaria picked up 17 wickets in 8 matches, delivering crucial breakthroughs in key moments. His best figures of 4 for 60 showcased his ability to strike even on batting-friendly pitches.
Chetan Sakaria – Bowling Figures
| Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy | Overs |
| 8 | 17 | 4/60 | 6.31 | 74 |
Sakaria’s variations, accuracy, and calm temperament played a vital role in Saurashtra’s journey to the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
What Lies Ahead for These Saurashtra Stars?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 has once again reinforced the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket. Saurashtra’s runners-up finish was not a failure but a testament to their consistency and quality throughout the tournament.
Several players from this squad, particularly Harvik Desai, Ankur Pawar, Vishwaraj Jadeja, and Samar Gajjar, have strengthened their case for higher honors. With continued performances, these names could soon feature in India A squads or even the senior national team.
Conclusion
Although Saurashtra narrowly missed out on lifting the trophy, their performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 will be remembered for the emergence of new stars and the dominance of established players. The six individuals highlighted above not only carried their team to the final but also made a strong statement about the future of Indian cricket.
As the domestic season progresses, all eyes will remain on these performers, who have proven that success is not just about winning trophies but about consistently delivering excellence on the field.
