Pindolia says "ROW doesn't stand a chance" ahead of 2025 Edgware CC Inter Club

As Edgware's annual inter-club fixture nears, Indian captain Prashant Pindolia says the Rest of the World Team "doesn't stand a chance against India XI". Whilst it is a damning assessment of the opposition, the Indian captain certainly has history on his side as Rest of the World are chasing their first ever win in the Inter-club at their 4th attempt.

"India XI's talent, depth and dominance is unmatched. Victory is all but assured. We're playing a different game altogether - one they won't be able to match" spoke Prashant Pindolia.

The previous meetings read poorly for Rest of the World who despite running India XI close in 2021 and 2022, were emphatically beaten in 2024 as fifties from Prashant Pindolia, Shuraj Vekaria and Abrar Mohammed sealed their fate.

Previous Meetings

2024 - India XI won by 88 runs

2022 - India XI won by 14 runs

2021 - India XI won by 24 runs

India XI lead historical series 3-0.

Analysis

In terms of performances, there have really only ever been two consistent performers with bat in hand. For India, Shuraj Vekaria averages an incredible 159 with the bat from three innings, which includes two fifities. Whereas for ROW, Kashyap Varsani has time and time again provided strong foundations at the top of the order.

Top Run Scorers

Shuraj Vekaria (India) - 159 runs @ 159.00

Kashyap Varsani (ROW) - 137 runs @ 68.50

Rahul Kothari (India) - 61 runs @ 30.50

Ciaran Hosty (ROW) - 61 runs @ 20.33

Vidanda Galgamuwa (ROW) - 60 runs @ 20.00

Where the disparity begins to widen is in the bowling department. Alpesh Gorsia has been key to India's success in recent times, claiming 6 wickets at just 6.33, whilst Rahul Kothari, Prashant Pindolia and Sunny Halai all appear in the top five wicket-takers. Naresh Sriwickramasekaran remains the only ROW bowler to feature in the top 5 after his heroics in the 2021 fixture.

Top Wicket-Takers

Alpesh Gorsia (India) - 6 wkts @ 6.33

Rahul Kothari (India) - 4 wkts @ 12.50

Prashant Pindolia (India) - 3 wkts @ 4.33

Sunny Halai (India) - 3 wkts @ 7.33

Naresh Sriwickramasekaran (ROW) - 3 wkts @ 6.67

In all 3 previous meetings, India have batted first and have registered totals of 219/2 (35 overs), 246 all out (33.5 overs) and 201 all out (25.3 overs). Should the ROW find themselves bowling first yet again, the key will be taking early wickets up top and limiting India's power players in the middle order.

When asked about where India XI's strength lie ahead of this year's clash, Prashant Pindolia responded "India XI have a combination of raw talent, experience and strategic depth. We have world class players in every department, from a top-order that can chase any target to bowlers capable of taking wickets in any conditions, India is primed for success. Our unity, resilience, and adaptability under pressure makes us the team to beat".

Match Details and Rules

As per last season, the fixture will take place at Canons High School on Saturday 12th April (11am start). The game will be 35 overs a side with the following rules:

a. Batters must retire at 50, but may return should all other wickets fall.

b. Bowlers may bowl a max of 6 overs, or retire once their 3rd wicket is taken.

c. Free-hits will follow a no-ball call.

d. Everyone in the team, besides a designated wicket-keeper, must bowl one over.