Vidarbha Cricket Team has achieved its third Ranji Trophy title, with their victory over Kerala coming after the season-ending final ended in a draw at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on March 1, 2025. This intriguing conclusion marked another successful chapter for Vidarbha, who utilized their first-innings lead to secure the championship.
Throughout the final, the tension soared as two resilient teams displayed grit and determination to claim the prestigious trophy. Vidarbha set the tone early, achieving 379 runs in their first innings, courtesy of Danish Malewar’s stellar performance, which included 153 runs off 285 balls. Malewar’s innings held the team together after they lost early wickets, showcasing his ability to withstand pressure.
“It was all about playing patiently and building partnerships. I was just focused on staying there for as long as I could,” said Malewar, who garnered the Player of the Match award for his remarkable contribution.
Following Vidarbha’s impressive innings, Kerala fought back valiantly, finishing their first innings with 342 runs. Captain Sachin Baby was the clear standout for Kerala, achieving 98 runs and leading his team’s charge. Along with impactful innings from Sarwate, who scored 79, Kerala kept the competition fierce.
Vidarbha's bowlers, particularly Harsh Dubey, played key roles, with Dubey securing three wickets for 88 runs. His performance throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Series title.
During their second innings, Vidarbha declared with 375 runs, again showcasing solid batting. Karun Nair added to his growing legacy with yet another remarkable century, scoring 135 runs and displaying his skillset against Kerala’s bowlers. Nair’s partnership with Malewar and scoring contributions from Darshan Nalkande, who remained not out at 51, ensured Vidarbha built a comfortable lead over 400 runs.
The final day saw Kerala struggling to chase down the enormous target set by Vidarbha. With the clock ticking and wickets intact, both teams acknowledged the inevitable as they ended the contest with a handshake at the conclusion of the day’s play. The final score saw Vidarbha reaching 375/9, securing the title based on their first-innings lead.
“It’s not the way we wanted it to end, but I’m proud of the fight my team put up. Each player gave their all,” commented Kerala’s Sachin Baby, reflecting on the hard-fought match.
The draw may not have provided the thrilling finish fans anticipated, yet it effectively illustrated the depth of talent and athlete prowess embodied by the players from both teams. The presence of key players, with Malewar's and Dubey's notable performances, offered viewers glimpses of India’s cricketing future.
Looking at Harsh Dubey's individual accomplishments, he finished the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, achieving 69 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.98. This impressive achievement not only set him apart as one of the best bowlers of the season but also eclipsed the previous record held by Ashutosh Aman for the most wickets taken in a single season of the Ranji Trophy.
“I am ecstatic with how the season turned out and grateful for the team’s support. But this is just the beginning. I want to keep improving and hopefully represent India at the international level,” expressed Dubey enthusiastically.
Vidarbha's triumph continues their winning legacy, having previously claimed the Ranji Trophy title for two consecutive years, 2017-18 and 2018-19. Their consistent performance over the last few seasons has solidified their status as one of India’s top cricketing teams.
The match and the season as a whole showcased the resilience of both Vidarbha and Kerala, and the performances of standout players indicate promising prospects for the future of Indian domestic cricket. The finale may not have yielded a victorious conclusion on the field but offered invaluable lessons and developments for the players involved.
While fans might have yearned for a definitive winner, the overall spectacle of high-quality cricket, marked by outstanding individual performances, confirmed the passion and potential simmering within the Indian cricketing community. With upcoming seasons on the horizon, all eyes will surely be on Vidarbha to see how they maintain their momentum and strive for continued excellence.