Vidarbha Clinch Their Third Ranji Trophy Title in Seven Seasons

Vidarbha were crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the third time in seven seasons after a dominant performance in the 2024-25 edition final against Kerala in Nagpur. Led by Akshay Wadkar, the team completed the formality on Sunday, March 2, after the big final at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium ended in a draw, securing victory based on their first-innings lead.

Vidarbha’s Journey to Glory in the Final

Vidarbha displayed tremendous grit and determination throughout the final, starting with a solid first innings total of 379 runs. Their bowlers then restricted Kerala to 342, securing the all-important first-innings lead. With the lead established by Day 3, Vidarbha patiently played out 143.5 overs in their second innings, posting 375/9 before both captains agreed to settle for the result.

This triumph further cements Vidarbha’s legacy in domestic cricket, marking their resurgence as a dominant force in red-ball cricket. Their previous Ranji Trophy victories came in 2017-18 and 2018-19, and after narrowly missing out last season against Mumbai, they made a strong comeback this year.

Key Performers in the Final

Karun Nair’s Batting Brilliance

The experienced Karun Nair played a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s triumph, showcasing his class with the bat. He scored a crucial 86 runs in the first innings and followed it up with a magnificent 135 off 295 balls in the second innings. His ability to anchor the innings and guide the team under pressure proved to be invaluable.

Danish Malewar – Player of the Match

The 21-year-old Danish Malewar emerged as one of the standout performers of the final, scoring a brilliant hundred in the first innings. His composure and technique under pressure earned him the Player of the Match award.

Harsh Dubey’s Record-Breaking Bowling Performance

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey had a phenomenal season, breaking the Ranji Trophy record for most wickets in a single season. He finished with 69 wickets, surpassing the previous record of 68 wickets held by Bihar’s Ashutosh Aman. His contribution wasn’t limited to bowling; he also made 476 runs in 10 matches, including five fifties, showcasing his potential as an emerging spin-bowling all-rounder.

Vidarbha’s Dominance in the 2024-25 Season

Vidarbha were the best team across all four groups in the league stage, winning six out of seven matches and accumulating 40 points. Unlike Kerala, who relied on first-innings leads to advance in the knockouts, Vidarbha achieved outright wins in both the quarterfinal and semifinal.

Knockout Stage Performance

• Quarterfinal: Defeated Tamil Nadu by 198 runs.
• Semifinal: Overpowered defending champions Mumbai by 80 runs.

Overall, Vidarbha won nine out of ten matches, a testament to their dominance and consistency in this edition of the Ranji Trophy.

Final Day’s Play – A Strategic Batting Approach

Vidarbha resumed the final day’s play with an overnight lead of 286 runs. Their game plan was clear – bat long and extend their lead beyond Kerala’s reach.

• Karun Nair added three more runs to his overnight score before being dismissed for 135.
• Danish Malewar scored 73, providing crucial support.
• Darshan Nalkande remained unbeaten on 51.

Vidarbha continued batting until the tea break, taking their lead to 412 runs, leaving Kerala with no realistic chance of chasing the target.

The Rise of Young Stars – A Bright Future for Vidarbha

Vidarbha’s success was not just about experienced players; their young talents played a crucial role.

Harsh Dubey – A Star in the Making

Dubey’s all-round brilliance has put him on the radar for higher honors. His ability to take wickets consistently while contributing valuable runs makes him a potential future asset for Indian cricket.

Danish Malewar – A Promising Batting Talent

The 21-year-old showed great composure and temperament in high-pressure situations. His performances in the knockout stages and final underline his potential as a future mainstay in Vidarbha’s batting lineup.

Vidarbha Crowned Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Champions – Summary