Yash Rathod: Key Facts About India A Batter

Yash Rathod became a top news item after hitting an unbeaten 100 for India A against New Zealand A in the second unofficial Test at Hagley Oval. His score helped India A secure a draw after they lost early wickets. Partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 155 not out, Rathod played a key role in their big partnership of 247 runs.

Rathod reached 100 off 122 balls with nine fours. India A ended at 282/2 in their second innings. This century added to his growing reputation as a reliable batsman for Vidarbha in domestic cricket.

Born on May 16, 2000, in Nagpur, Rathod is a left-handed middle-order batter who can also bowl slow left-arm deliveries. He started playing cricket at a young age and quickly showed promise in age-group tournaments.

His big break came during the 2017-18 Cooch Behar Trophy, India’s main Under-19 tournament. Rathod was Vidarbha’s top scorer with 945 runs, including four centuries. This earned him a spot in India’s youth teams.

In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Rathod scored his first-class century against Madhya Pradesh. He continued his success in the next season, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 960 runs and five centuries as Vidarbha won the title.

Rathod also stood out in the 2025 Duleep Trophy, scoring a career-best 194 against South Zone. His partnership with Rajat Patidar was crucial in their victory.

Selected for India A’s tour of New Zealand, Rathod showed his skills in both matches. He scored 44 not out and 66 in the first Test, then 13 and an unbeaten 100 in the second Test. His century helped India A recover after losing early wickets and finish at 282/2.

Though the Test ended in a draw, Rathod’s consistent performances highlighted his potential as a top domestic batsman.