Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Vidarbha vs Kerala Match Preview, Final

Kerala entered the final in dramatic fashion while Vidarbha avenged their loss to Mumbai in the final last season.

Published - 25 Feb 2025, 11:57 IST | Updated - 25 Feb 2025, 12:56 IST

3 Min Read

The final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 will be played between Vidarbha and Kerala at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium (Jamtha) in Nagpur from February 26 to March 2.

Vidarbha have had an excellent campaign so far. They topped their group by a comfortable margin, winning six games, drawing one and not losing any. They defeated Tamil Nadu by 198 runs in the quarter-final and set up a date with Mumbai, the team which they lost to in the Ranji Trophy final last season.

Vidarbha performed brilliantly in the semi-final with Parth Rekhade's three-wicket over in the first innings, comprising all India batters, dented Mumbai's chances of securing a first-innings lead. It was all catch-up from there for the visitors as Vidarbha completed a comfortable win by 80 runs.

Kerala, on the other hand, finished second in their group by just a point's margin, winning four matches, losing none and drawing four. Both their knockout games were dramatic. In the quarter-final against Jammu & Kashmir, they won on first innings lead which was secured in a thrilling fashion by just a solitary run.

The semi-final against Gujarat was a slow-burn which turned into a sizzling affair as the home team neared Kerala's first innings score. With the deficit standing at just two runs and Gujarat having one wicket in hand it seemed all but over for Kerala. However, a stroke of good fortune ensured a wicket fell giving the south Indian state a slim but decisive lead. They won on first-innings lead once again.

While Kerala have made it to their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, Vidarbha have been part of three. Out of those, they have won the title on two occasions, both in the last decade.

The final is expected to be close-fought affair between the two well-settled sides.

Also Read: Face of IPL Anil Chaudhary to officiate in Ranji Trophy final for record 5th time

Match Details

Match	Vidarbha vs Kerala, Final, Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Venue	VCA Stadium (Jamtha), Nagpur
Date and Time	Wednesday-Sunday, February 26 - March 2, 9:30 am (IST)
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details	Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (app and website)

Pitch Report

The pitch is expected to start off with even bounce, some turn and deteriorate gradually as it was seen in the semi-final against Mumbai. It might cause uneven bounce and more spin from Day 3 onwards. Batting first would be the best option to take advantage of good batting conditions early on and get a chance to bowl the opposition out in the fourth innings.

Predicted Playing XIs

Vidarbha:

Atharva Taide, Dhruv Shorey, Danish Malewar, Karun Nair, Yash Rathod, Akshay Wadkar (c&w), Harsh Dubey, Darshan Nalkande, Parth Rekhade, Nachiket Bhute, Yash Thakur

Kerala:

Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Varun Nayanar, Sachin Baby (c), Jalaj Saxena, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Ahammed Imran, Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil

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Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Kerala Vidarbha