From the quiet resolve in his stance to the furious internal monologue beneath his helmet, Vidarbha's Aman Mokhade is painting a masterpiece of consistency this domestic season. After a period of waiting in the wings, the right-handed batter has exploded onto the scene, amassing mountains of runs and forcing everyone to take notice.
From Frustration in the Shadows to a Run-Scoring Juggernaut
Last season was a test of patience for Aman Mokhade. Buried in a talented Vidarbha batting lineup featuring established names like Yash Rathod and Danesh Malewar, opportunities were rare. When chances did come, they slipped by without the big, defining innings he craved, seeding frustration. This season, however, tells a completely different story. Mokhade has seized his moment with both hands, batting with a newfound clarity and purpose across formats.
In the red-ball arena, his numbers are staggering. In five Ranji Trophy matches, he has piled up 577 runs at an average of 96.16, including three centuries and a top score of 183. This form has seamlessly transitioned into the white-ball game. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, Mokhade has been even more destructive, hammering 487 runs in just five innings at a jaw-dropping average of 121.75. His unbeaten 150 against Baroda on Saturday was a testament to his current dominance.
The Work Ethic Behind the Runs: Self-Talk and Specific Drills
There is nothing flashy about Mokhade's batting. His technique is orthodox, his celebrations muted. The real action, as his coach reveals, happens internally. "He talks to himself a lot while batting," the coach says. "One bad shot and he's furious — if you're fielding close in, you hear everything he tells himself." This relentless self-critique fuels his improvement.
His cricketing foundation was built at the Pravin Hinganikar Cricket Academy before he moved to the Nagpur Cricket Academy five years ago, where his reputation for gritty determination solidified. Recently, his hunger for growth took him to Mumbai for specialized sessions, including a detailed conversation with domestic cricket legend Wasim Jaffer. The focus was sharp and technical. "He worked extensively on his pull shot, which had been a weakness," his coach noted. "He would practise it repeatedly, talking to himself, correcting small details."
Letting the Bat Do the Loudest Talking
The results of this meticulous approach are now undeniable. With a combined run tally of 1064 runs across the two premier domestic tournaments this season, Aman Mokhade is no longer a fringe player. He has positioned himself as a central pillar for Vidarbha in their Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy campaigns.
His journey from the sidelines to the spotlight is a classic tale of perseverance meeting prepared skill. While he may continue his intense, private conversations at the crease, the message to the cricketing world is now clear and loud, delivered not by words, but by the authoritative sound of leather meeting the middle of his bat.
MOKHADE'S RUN FEAST THIS SEASON:
Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over)
- Runs: 487
- High Score: 150*
- Centuries: 3
- Fifties: 1
- Average: 121.75
- Fours: 53 | Sixes: 13
Ranji Trophy (First-Class)
- Matches: 5
- Runs: 577
- High Score: 183
- Average: 96.16
- Centuries: 3
- Fifties: 1
