Nagpur, March 2: Vidarbha scripted history on Sunday by securing their third Ranji Trophy title, defeating Kerala on the basis of a crucial first-innings lead. The thrilling encounter unfolded at Vidarbha's home ground, where disciplined performances and solid batting ultimately decided the contest in their favor.
The decisive moment came early in the match, as Vidarbha gained a slender yet invaluable 37-run lead after bowling Kerala out for 342 runs in the first innings. Vidarbha had initially posted a competitive 379 in their first innings, which set the tone for their eventual triumph.
Kerala, appearing in their maiden Ranji Trophy final, displayed tremendous resilience throughout the match. However, Vidarbha’s remarkable consistency across the season proved too strong, as they combined tactical brilliance with gritty performances.
Vidarbha’s Dominance in Domestic Cricket Continues
This latest title further strengthens Vidarbha's credentials as one of India's premier domestic cricket teams. Previously, the team secured back-to-back Ranji Trophy victories in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons and finished as runners-up in the last season. This season, under the astute leadership of captain Akshay Wadkar and head coach Usman Ghani, Vidarbha dominated the competition, clinching nine wins from 10 matches.The Ranji Trophy, split into two phases this season for the first time in its 90-year history, witnessed Vidarbha topping the league stage with six victories in seven matches, amassing 40 points.
Unlike Kerala—who narrowly advanced past Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat in the knockout stages on the basis of first-innings leads—Vidarbha sealed emphatic wins against strong opponents. They overpowered Tamil Nadu by 198 runs in the quarterfinals before dismantling defending champions Mumbai by 80 runs in the semifinals.
Key Performers Lead Vidarbha's Charge in the Final
The final day was a testament to Vidarbha's strategic approach, as their batsmen steadily extended the lead. Resuming with a commanding overnight lead of 286 runs, Vidarbha reached 375 for nine in their second innings. Former Indian international Karun Nair led the batting charge with a stellar knock of 135 runs off 295 balls, supported by promising youngsters Danish Malewar (73) and Darshan Nalkande (51 not out).Nair, who joined Vidarbha ahead of this season, capped off an exceptional campaign by becoming the fourth-highest run-scorer of the season, amassing 863 runs in nine matches. He had already showcased brilliance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring five centuries.
Rising Stars Shine for Vidarbha
Vidarbha's triumph was also significantly shaped by young talents like 22-year-old left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, who etched his name in history by breaking the record for most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season, taking an impressive 69 wickets. Dubey, also handy with the bat, accumulated 476 runs, including five half-centuries, inspired by batting advice from Indian star Ravichandran Ashwin.Additionally, 24-year-old batter Yash Rathod topped the batting charts with 960 runs at an average of 53.33, hitting five centuries and three half-centuries. Young sensation Danish Malewar emerged as another key player, amassing 783 runs this season, including match-winning knocks of 153 and 73 in the final.
Captain Wadkar contributed significantly, scoring 722 runs in the tournament, emphasizing the depth in Vidarbha's batting lineup.
Celebration of Team Effort
Reflecting on the victory, skipper Akshay Wadkar praised the team's collective effort, stating, “Everyone worked hard throughout, and we’re all very happy. Last year, we lost the final, so we prepared during the monsoon itself. Every individual worked on himself.”Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy victory, complemented by their runner-up finish in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, underscores their growing stature and consistency in Indian domestic cricket.
Last updated by a enewsx:
