Ranji Trophy Final 2024-25

Ranji Trophy Final 2024-25: A Complete Recap

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final was an exciting showdown between Vidarbha and Kerala at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. While both teams put up a strong fight, Vidarbha claimed their third title based on a crucial first-innings lead. The match was packed with standout performances, tactical battles, and moments that defined the outcome.

Match Summary

Vidarbha’s First Innings: A Strong Start

Vidarbha got off to a steady start, with their batters showing patience and resilience. The star of the innings was Danish Malewar, who played a magnificent knock of 153 runs. His innings was a mix of solid defense and well-timed strokes. Karun Nair added a crucial 86 runs, stabilizing the middle order. With their combined efforts, Vidarbha put up a competitive total of 379 runs, giving them an early advantage.

Kerala’s Response: A Hard-Fought 342

Kerala came back with a determined effort, led by Sachin Baby, who scored a well-constructed 98 runs. However, they fell short by 37 runs, finishing at 342. Vidarbha’s bowlers, particularly Darshan Nalkande, Aditya Sarwate, and Harsh Dubey, each took three wickets, keeping Kerala’s batters under pressure at key moments.

Vidarbha’s Second Innings: Sealing the Deal

With a first-innings lead of 37 runs, Vidarbha played smart cricket in their second innings. Karun Nair once again stepped up, scoring a match-defining 135. His composed approach helped Vidarbha reach 375/9 before declaring, setting an almost impossible task for Kerala.

Match Conclusion: First-Innings Lead Wins It

Despite Kerala’s best efforts to survive the final day, the match ended in a draw, with Vidarbha’s first-innings lead making them the champions. Their strong batting performances and disciplined bowling ensured they stayed in control throughout.

Key Performances

• Danish Malewar (Vidarbha): A stellar 153 in the first innings, setting the foundation for his team’s success.
• Karun Nair (Vidarbha): Scores of 86 and 135 made him the backbone of Vidarbha’s batting lineup.
• Sachin Baby (Kerala): His fighting 98 kept Kerala in the contest.
• Vidarbha’s Bowlers: Nalkande, Sarwate, and Dubey each picked up three wickets in Kerala’s first innings, restricting their progress.

Tactics and Turning Points

• Vidarbha’s Strong First Innings: Their solid start put them in command early on.
• Spin Domination: The Nagpur pitch became helpful for spinners as the game progressed, and Vidarbha’s slow bowlers made full use of it.
• Karun Nair’s Second-Innings Masterclass: His century ensured Kerala had no realistic chance of chasing down the target.
• Kerala’s Middle-Order Collapse: Despite a good start, they lost key wickets at crucial times, allowing Vidarbha to maintain control.

Stats That Tell the Story

Top Batters:

• Vidarbha: Malewar (153), Nair (86 & 135)
• Kerala: Sachin Baby (98), Rohan Kunnummal (55) 

Key Bowlers:

• Vidarbha: Sarwate, Nalkande, and Dubey were consistent wicket-takers.
• Kerala: Jalaj Saxena and Sijomon Joseph bowled well but couldn’t break through Vidarbha’s strong lineup.

Pitch and Weather Influence

The pitch in Nagpur played a crucial role, offering good batting conditions early on before turning into a spin-friendly surface. The weather was clear throughout, allowing for an uninterrupted five-day match. As the game progressed, batting became trickier, giving bowlers an edge.

Game-Changing Moments

• Vidarbha’s Big Partnership: Malewar and Nair’s first-innings stand set the tone.
• Sachin Baby’s Resistance: His innings kept Kerala in the fight.
• Vidarbha’s Declaration Strategy: Their second-innings declaration with a 351-run lead left Kerala with little hope.
• Final Day Fight: Kerala aimed to survive, but Vidarbha ensured they remained in charge.

How This Final Compares to Past Editions

Vidarbha’s third title in seven seasons proves their rise as a domestic powerhouse. Their dominance resembles that of traditional heavyweights like Mumbai and Karnataka. Kerala, playing in their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, showcased immense potential and promise, indicating a bright future for the team.

Impact on Domestic Cricket and Future Prospects

Vidarbha’s consistent performances cement their reputation as a top domestic side. Players like Danish Malewar and Karun Nair have strengthened their case for higher recognition. For Kerala, this campaign signals growth and the need for continued development. With proper investment in coaching and infrastructure, they can become regular title contenders.

Final Thoughts

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final was an excellent advertisement for Indian domestic cricket. Vidarbha’s disciplined approach and key individual performances secured them the title. Meanwhile, Kerala’s inspiring journey to the final showcased the increasing competitiveness of the tournament. As domestic cricket evolves, the Ranji Trophy continues to be a proving ground for future stars.