On February 26, 2025, Vidarbha will face Kerala in the finals of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, marking Kerala's first appearance on this prestigious stage. Vidarbha, led by captain Akshay Wadkar, enters the match with considerable momentum, having won eight out of their nine matches this season.
This season has been nothing short of stellar for Vidarbha, who have had an impressive run, culminating with their victory over Mumbai by 80 runs to clinch their spot in the final. The match will commence at 9:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST), and viewers can catch the live action on Sports 18 as well as through online availability on the JioCinema app and website.
Meanwhile, Kerala, under the captaincy of Sachin Baby, is making history as they make their first-ever appearance at the final of India's premier domestic cricket competition. Baby, who recently played his 100th first-class match, expressed the sentiments of the team: "Reaching the Ranji Trophy final has been our long-standing dream. We have followed the path paved by our predecessors, and now we are here." This is also marked by Jalaj Saxena's milestone 150th first-class match.
The final match kicked off dramatically with Kerala opting to field first after winning the toss. Vidarbha found themselves struggling early on, reeling at 24 for 3 due to a fiery bowling performance from MD Nidheesh and Eden Apple Tom of Kerala. Nidheesh struck early, dismissing Parth Rekhade for a duck, followed by Darshan Nalkande's dismissal for just 1 run after six overs and Dhruv Shorey being caught behind for 9 runs.
This sobering start for Vidarbha brought their innings to serious question as they faced off against Kerala's disciplined bowling attack. The Kerala bowlers' aggressive start indicates their individual strengths and team synergy, with many hoping this might be the year the team claims its first Ranji Trophy title.
Vidarbha’s tactics have remained consistent, opting for the same combination they utilized against Mumbai. Key players include Dhruv Shorey, who has shown his skills throughout the season, and captain Akshay Wadkar, alongside others like Karun Nair and Yash Rathod. Kerala has made some strategic adjustments, bringing Eden Apple Tom on board, which provides depth to their bowling lineup. They have significant players like Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, and Mohammed Azharuddeen, all contributing to their strength on the field.
With the match still underway, Kerala maintains control and could secure victory if they can sustain their momentum against Vidarbha’s battle-hardened squad. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, with fans of both teams eagerly watching as history is penned at the Ranji Trophy Final.
Should Vidarbha bounce back from their shaky start, they might still emerge victorious based on their consistent performance across the season. The resilience of Vidarbha will be put to the test, and cricket fans will be anxiously following the match as it progresses.
The final promises to be not just about competition but also about the evolution of domestic cricket within the two states, reflecting years of dedication and effort. Regardless of the outcome, both teams have etched their marks on this season of the Ranji Trophy, paving the way for future encounters and rivalry.