Nagpur, March 1: Karun Nair delivered yet another masterclass with the bat, striking an unbeaten 132 to place Vidarbha firmly on track for their third Ranji Trophy title, finishing Day Four with a commanding overall lead of 286 runs against Kerala at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha on Saturday.
Nair capitalized on an early dropped catch to script his fourth Ranji Trophy century of the season—and ninth overall across formats this year, including five centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His resilient 280-ball innings of 132* propelled Vidarbha from a modest first-innings lead of 37 to a formidable position of 249/4 by stumps.
A Dropped Catch Turns Costly for Kerala
The decisive moment came in the 19th over of Vidarbha's second innings when Kerala's Akshay Chandran spilled a regulation catch off Eden Apple Tom, giving Nair a second life when he was on just 31. Chandran, positioned at first slip, failed to control the ball after it popped out of his reverse-cupped hands, a miss that proved significantly expensive.From that reprieve onwards, Nair took complete control, playing with assuredness and displaying elegant strokeplay around the ground. His innings featured 10 boundaries and two well-timed sixes.
Malewar Provides Crucial Support
Nair found excellent support from Danish Malewar, who continued his rich form by following his impressive first-innings 153 with another resolute knock of 73 off 162 balls, which included five boundaries. Together, Nair and Malewar added a critical 182-run partnership for the third wicket, effectively deflating Kerala's bowling efforts and shifting momentum decisively towards Vidarbha.Malewar eventually departed when Chandran redeemed himself partially by inducing an edge, taken comfortably by Sachin Baby at slip.
Early Setbacks for Vidarbha
The day didn't start smoothly for Vidarbha, as Kerala veteran Jalaj Saxena struck early, dismissing opener Parth Rekhade in just the second over of the day. Mohammed Azharuddeen then produced a brilliant diving catch to his right in front of first slip to send Dhruv Shorey back to the pavilion, reducing Vidarbha to a precarious 7/2 at that point.However, the determined partnership between Nair and Malewar steadied the innings and eventually placed Vidarbha in full command of the contest.
Nair’s Special Celebration Marks Stellar Season
Upon reaching his century, Nair celebrated passionately, removing his helmet and raising both helmet and bat toward the dressing room. He then gestured the number ‘nine’ with his fingers, symbolizing his total number of hundreds across competitions this season.With Vidarbha now holding a commanding overall lead and only one day remaining in the match, Kerala faces a near-impossible challenge in overturning their fortunes.
Brief Scores
- Vidarbha: 379 & 249/4 (90 overs) – Karun Nair 132*, Danish Malewar 73; Akshay Chandran 1/29
- Kerala: 342
- Vidarbha lead by 286 runs
