Kerala clinched their first-ever Ranji Trophy title with a remarkable performance against Vidarbha, showcasing exceptional skills both with the bat and the ball throughout the match. The final, held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, saw Kerala overcoming obstacles to achieve what has long been considered elusive.
The match kicked off with Kerala winning the toss and choosing to field first, putting Vidarbha to the test from the start. The innings began poorly for Vidarbha, as they lost three wickets for just 24 runs. This disastrous start set the stage for what could have easily turned the final on its head. Yet, the silver lining arrived with the partnership between Karun Nair and Danish Malewar, who together stitched together 215 runs, stabilizing Vidarbha's innings.
Karun Nair played impressively, scoring 86 runs off 188 balls, and appeared poised to reach three figures before disaster struck. On the fourth delivery of the 82nd over, Nair attempted to take advantage of chaos behind the stumps caused by bowling from Eden Apple. The Kerala keeper failed to collect the ball cleanly, prompting Nair to attempt to run for a bye. But Malewar sent him back, and Rohan Kunnummal, stationed at slips, quickly seized on the opportunity. With pinpoint accuracy, Kunnummal's direct hit at the stumps resulted in Nair being run out just short of the crease, leading to frustration from the batsman as he tossed his bat down on the ground.
This run-out proved pivotal as it not only ended the anchoring partnership but also shifted the momentum back to Kerala. Kunnummal's remarkable fielding prowess didn’t stop there; he showcased his athleticism and instincts throughout the match. On Day 2, he made headlines again by taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Akshay Karnewar, which added to his reputation as one of the standout fielders of the match. Kunnummal dove to his left, executing the catch off Jalaj Saxena’s bowling, claiming yet another breakthrough for Kerala.
After Vidarbha was bowled out for 379, Kerala began their first innings and started their chase with determination. Danish Malewar, the nightwatchman, remained not out at 138, displaying remarkable concentration and resilience, effectively setting the tone for the innings. Meanwhile, Kunnummal’s fielding continued to inspire his teammates as they bolstered their confidence going forward.
Kerala's bowlers, led by Eden Apple, MD Nidheesh, and N Basith, worked tirelessly to chip away at Vidarbha's batting line-up. Apple pocketed invaluable breakthroughs, including the wickets of key players who could have altered the match’s dynamics. His delivery to bring about Nair's run-out combined with his own wickets showcased the depth and variety of Kerala’s bowling attack.
The competition simmered with intensity as both teams exchanged blows. Vidarbha's 379 runs were underpinned by strong contributions, but Kerala matched this intensity with their own established batting order. They emerged with renewed vigor as they began to set their own match pace.
Kerala's breakthrough moment came from Kunnummal's determination on the field, and as they took stock of the situation, it only made sense for the side to focus on building their innings around meaningful partnerships. Each run needed to be fought for—a mentality formed from the earlier challenges faced during Vidarbha's innings.
Karun Nair’s dismissal not only was pivotal for Kerala's confidence but potentially might be seen as shifting Nair’s fortunes with future selections for the Indian team since his weight of runs this season had already generated talk among selectors. His performance throughout the 2024-25 season has seen him emerge as the highest run-scorer with 779 runs during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, alongside his impactful presence during the Ranji Trophy. If the selectors were taking note, Nair's inconsistency today might present questions at the wrong moment.
The fact of the matter was, Vidarbha entered the final as the defending champions, and now, with the end of Day 2 approaching, Kerala had taken firm control transitioning from their batting prowess to capitalizing on every run they could muster.
Kerala’s triumphant march and initial 214-run defense combined with their spirited fielding echoed throughout cricket circles, indicating the rise of yet another competitive team carving its niche within Indian domestic cricket. The spirit and performance of young talents like Kunnummal continue to add to the legacy of the Ranji Trophy, enriching both the competition and the traditions held dear among cricket loyalists.
Going forward, the match remained poised for thrilling developments as both sides engaged wholeheartedly to secure the championship spirit of Ranji. With each ball bowled and each run scored, the culmination of the fixture not only offered the victors new trophies but also laid the foundations for future rivalries—certainly promising more exhilarating encounters to follow.