Vidarbha Clinches Third Ranji Trophy Title, Overcoming Kerala in Gripping Final

 Vidarbha Triumphs in Ranji Trophy Final, Securing Third Title with First-Innings Lead Over Kerala 

In a riveting display of cricketing prowess, Vidarbha clinched their third Ranji Trophy title by outclassing Kerala in the final held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The match, which spanned from February 26 to March 2, 2025, showcased Vidarbha's resilience and strategic acumen, leading them to a well-deserved victory.

A Tale of Two Teams

Kerala, making their maiden appearance in a Ranji Trophy final, entered the contest with high hopes and a season filled with commendable performances. Their journey to the final was marked by determination and skill, setting the stage for a historic showdown. Vidarbha, on the other hand, brought with them the experience of two previous titles, aiming to reclaim the trophy after a narrow miss in the 2023-24 season.

Day 1: Early Setbacks and a Stellar Partnership

Winning the toss, Kerala opted to field, hoping to exploit early morning conditions. Their decision seemed justified as Vidarbha found themselves reeling at 24 for 3, with Eden Apple Tom and MD Nidheesh making early inroads. However, the tide turned when 21-year-old Danish Malewar and seasoned campaigner Karun Nair joined forces. The duo stitched a remarkable 215-run partnership for the fourth wicket, rescuing Vidarbha from a precarious position. Malewar's unbeaten 138 and Nair's composed 86 not only steadied the ship but also laid a solid foundation for a competitive total. 

Day 2: Vidarbha Consolidates

Resuming at 254 for 4, Vidarbha aimed to capitalize on the platform set by Malewar and Nair. Despite Nair's unfortunate runout, the lower order contributed valuable runs, propelling the team to a total of 379. Kerala's bowlers, particularly Nidheesh and Apple Tom, showcased perseverance, but the resilience of Vidarbha's batsmen ensured a challenging target.

Day 3: Kerala's Response and a Pivotal Collapse

Kerala's innings began with promise as Aditya Sarwate anchored the top order with a gritty 79. Captain Sachin Baby further solidified the innings with a determined 98, guiding Kerala to 324 for 6, within striking distance of Vidarbha's total. However, a moment of misjudgment led to Baby's dismissal, triggering a collapse. The spin duo of Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade capitalized, sharing six wickets between them and restricting Kerala to 342, giving Vidarbha a crucial 37-run first-innings lead. 

Day 4: Vidarbha Tightens the Grip

With a slender lead, Vidarbha's second innings aimed to bat Kerala out of the contest. Karun Nair, continuing his fine form, notched up a century, while Malewar added a steady 60. Their efforts extended Vidarbha's lead, setting a daunting target for Kerala. The pitch, showing signs of wear, posed additional challenges for the chasing side.

Day 5: The Final Blow

Facing an uphill task, Kerala's batsmen struggled against Vidarbha's disciplined bowling attack. Harsh Dubey, who became the season's leading wicket-taker with 69 scalps, spun a web around the batsmen, claiming crucial wickets. Kerala's resistance crumbled, and Vidarbha sealed their victory, etching their name on the Ranji Trophy for the third time.

Captain's Reflections

Vidarbha's skipper, Akshay Wadkar, expressed immense pride in his team's performance. Reflecting on the previous season's final loss, he highlighted the meticulous preparation and individual contributions that culminated in this triumph. "As a captain, lifting the Ranji Trophy has been a dream. Every first-class cricketer aspires to this, and we've achieved it by ticking all aspects," Wadkar remarked. 

Kerala's captain, Sachin Baby, displayed grace in defeat, acknowledging the pivotal moments that slipped away. Taking responsibility for his dismissal, he noted, "As the leader, I'll take the blame—my shot changed the momentum of the game. We aimed for a substantial lead, and falling short was crucial." 

Individual Milestones and Emerging Talents

The final not only showcased team efforts but also highlighted individual brilliance. Yash Rathod emerged as the season's top run scorer with 960 runs. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, "I aimed for 1000 runs but fell 40 short. It's essential to have a purpose and analyze conditions to succeed." 

Harsh Dubey's record-breaking 69 wickets underscored his pivotal role in Vidarbha's campaign. At 22, Dubey's aspirations are clear: "It's a dream-come-true moment. The end goal is to play for India, and I don't want to complicate things thinking about it from now on."

Danish Malewar's emergence as a reliable batsman adds depth to Vidarbha's lineup. His century in the final, complemented by guidance from experienced players like Nair, signifies a bright future. "I was prepared to get to a hundred; I was getting out in the 50s or 60s. Luckily, I was able to convert," Malewar reflected. 

The Road Ahead

Vidarbha's triumph reinstates their position among the elite in Indian domestic cricket. Their blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents creates a formidable unit poised for future challenges. For Kerala, the journey to their first final marks a significant milestone. Despite the loss, their spirited performances