In a captivating conclusion to the domestic cricket season, the Vidarbha team clinched their third Ranji Trophy title by overpowering Kerala in a match filled with thrilling moments and resilient performances. The encounter unfolded at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, where Vidarbha, led by captain Akshay Wadkar, gave their loyal supporters—nearly 3,000 strong—a memorable display of cricket that reinforced their claim to the championship trophy.
The match was characterized by a strong start from Vidarbha in their first innings, where they amassed a formidable total of 379 runs. This impressive tally was propelled by an outstanding century from Danish Malewar, who scored 153 runs, supported by a robust contribution of 86 runs from Karun Nair. Conversely, Kerala's bowling attack managed to secure wickets, with Nidheesh claiming three for 61 runs, but it was not enough to halt Vidarbha's momentum. In response, Kerala showed commendable effort, finishing their first innings at 342, with Sachin Baby narrowly missing out on a century, scoring 98 runs, and Aditya Sarwate adding a crucial 79 runs to his team's total.
The second innings began with Vidarbha setting a daunting target of 375 for Kerala, concluding their innings at 375 for 9 declared. Nair again shone with the bat, this time scoring 135 runs, while Malewar supported him with a valuable 73 runs. Sarwate was once again pivotal for Kerala, taking four wickets for 96 runs, demonstrating his all-round abilities. The match drew to a conclusion with Vidarbha not only taking the first-innings lead but also successfully maintaining control over Kerala's batting line-up throughout the second innings, which ultimately led to a drawn match but a declared victory for Vidarbha.
Throughout the contest, Kerala's squad and coaching staff could reflect on several missed opportunities that may have altered the outcome. One pivotal moment was Baby's dismissal while trying to play a slog sweep at a critical juncture, where he was on the verge of establishing a significant partnership. Additionally, a dropped catch of Nair early in the fourth day's play proved to be another turning point, as Nair went on to perform magnificently and guide his team toward a sizeable declaration. Kerala's ability to remain competitive in the match was evident, yet they were left to ponder over what might have been different with more favorable calls or moments during the game.
As the final day commenced, hope surged through the Kerala ranks as Nair was dismissed early on for just three runs added to his overnight score of 132. However, the task before Kerala was monumental considering the challenging target set by Vidarbha. Kerala's hopes were briefly rekindled when local bowler Aditya Sarwate secured two quick wickets, causing excitement among their players and fans alike. Harsh Dubey's dismissal shortly thereafter had the team buzzing with confidence that they could conjure another spectacular turnaround.
But as Vidarbha consolidated, the match's complexion began shifting once again with Akshay Karnewar's steadying hand, adding an essential 30 runs to prolong the innings. The situation grew dire for Kerala as they began to lose grip on their aspirations, which were quashed further when Darshan Nalkande delivered a significant blow by scoring a half-century. The compelling nature of the contest was evident, but as tea approached, the curtains were drawn on the match, officially crowning Vidarbha as champions once more.
Vidarbha's success is a testament to the combined efforts of their players throughout the season. Karun Nair's performance underscored his status as a leading batsman, with this match being his fourth century of the season and noticeably his ninth across all formats. Meanwhile, Malewar, at just 21 years old, exemplified the team's youthful vigor and determination. Beyond just these two contributions, Vidarbha's triumph depended heavily on the collective resilience of the entire team, which saw Yash Rathod finishing as the season's leading run-scorer and Dubey claiming the record for the most wickets in a single season of the Ranji Trophy.
The victory signifies more than just a trophy for Vidarbha; it symbolizes resilience, teamwork, and an unyielding spirit that ultimately led to their memorable season. As they officially lifted the Ranji Trophy in front of their enthusiastic home crowd, the players encapsulated the joy, tears, and pride that come with such a hard-fought victory—a worthy chapter in cricket history for Vidarbha and Indian domestic cricket as a whole.