Vidarbha clinched the Ranji Trophy title after overcoming Kerala’s spirited challenge at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, on February 28, 2025. This captivating final highlighted extraordinary performances, particularly from Vidarbha’s left-arm spinner, Harsh Dubey, who made history by becoming the highest wicket-taker for a single season.
The match, filled with tension and cricketing brilliance, saw Vidarbha post 379 runs in their first innings before bowling out Kerala for 342. This gave Vidarbha a slender first-innings lead of 37 runs, setting the stage for their eventual triumph.
Sachin Baby, the captain of Kerala, was pivotal during the contest, scoring 98 runs. His innings was one of resilience, marked by determination as he faced the challenge of Vidarbha’s formidable bowling attack. Unfortunately, his quest for a century came to a heartbreaking end when he attempted a slog sweep off Parth Rekhade and was caught, dashing Kerala’s hopes of gaining the upper hand.
Vidarbha, relying heavily on their spin attack, had the upper hand throughout the match. The outstanding performance by Harsh Dubey stood out prominently. On the third day, he claimed three wickets, including those of key batters Sarwate and Nizar, securing his 69th wicket of the season and breaking the prior record of 68 wickets set by Ashutosh Aman of Bihar during the 2018-19 season.
Early on Day 3, Kerala resumed from 131 for 3, but with the loss of wickets during pivotal moments—most critically when Baby was dismissed—meant it was challenging to break beyond Vidarbha’s total. Aditya Sarwate, who managed to score 79 runs, was dismissed shortly before Baby, leading to notable middle-order collapse as they fell just 37 runs short of equality.
Vidarbha's bowlers were relentless. Alongside Dubey, Darshan Nalkande and Parth Rekhade claimed three wickets each, demonstrating the effectiveness of their combined bowling strategies. The trio consistently troubled Kerala's batters, especially under the conditions favorable for spin.
After Mustering 342 runs, Kerala’s innings folded without any significant resistance from the lower order, following Baby’s departure. Jalaj Saxena managed to score 28 runs, but not enough to secure partnerships needed to salvage their innings. The cumulative effort left Vidarbha heading back to the crease with a 37-run advantage.
Following the conclusion of the day’s play, the momentum clearly shifted toward Vidarbha, who stood on the brink of securing their third Ranji Trophy crown. They controlled the match, demonstrating they would not relinquish this opportunity easily, especially with seasoned bowlers ready to capitalize on the conditions.
"Vidarbha’s left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey carved his name... becoming the highest wicket-taker... to bowl out the visitors on 342," stated The Indian Express, pointing out Dubey's significant achievement and its impact on the match.
Looking at the big picture, Dubey’s splendid season isn’t just about wickets; it has marked the emergence of young talent, showcasing his dual threat as both bowler and batsman—accumulating 472 runs alongside 69 wickets throughout the campaign, illustrating his prowess on the field. This exceptional feat places him among the elite few who achieve the all-rounder’s double of 450-plus runs and 50-plus wickets within the season.
After securing this momentous victory, Vidarbha has not only solidified their position within the Ranji Trophy but has also set the stage for upcoming generations of cricketers to draw inspiration from Dubey’s achievements and the team's resilience. With renewed confidence, Vidarbha looks forward to the future, having established a legacy of excellence.
Despite the disappointment for Kerala, particularly for Sachin Baby—whose performance was commendable yet unfinished—there remains much to build upon. The match showcased the spirit of competition and the need for resilience under pressure, positioning both teams for brighter futures. With the quality of cricket displayed, both teams have undoubtedly set new benchmarks.
This final, etched down in the annals of the Ranji Trophy history, will be remembered not just for the victory but for the records shattered and the outstanding performances by individual players. The conclusion of the tournament promises to inspire future matches and motivate young talent across India.