Vidarbha are crowned Ranji Trophy 2024-25 champions after securing a first-innings lead over Kerala in the final at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. The closely contested summit clash ended in a draw, but Vidarbha’s narrow 37-run first-innings advantage ensured they lifted the Ranji Trophy for the third time in their history. Having previously won the 2017-18 and 2018-19 editions, this latest triumph further solidifies Vidarbha’s status as one of the rising powerhouses in Indian domestic cricket. While Kerala fought valiantly in their maiden Ranji Trophy final, it was Vidarbha’s disciplined batting and strategic approach that sealed the title.
Vidarbha’s gritty batting display sets the tone for victory
The final saw Vidarbha post 379 in their first innings, led by young batting sensation Danish Malewar’s superb 136. Malewar, playing in his debut Ranji Trophy season, played a vital role in ensuring his side put up a competitive total on the board. His innings, laced with patience and class, provided Vidarbha with much-needed stability after early setbacks.
Kerala responded with 342 in their only innings, as they put up a strong fight but fell 37 runs short of Vidarbha’s total. The crucial lead taken by Vidarbha meant that they only needed to bat out the final innings to secure the title, a task they executed to perfection.
In their second innings, Vidarbha batted for an astonishing 143.5 overs, posting 375/9 before the captains agreed to settle for the draw. Karun Nair was the standout performer, scoring a superb 135 off 295 balls, anchoring the innings and ensuring there was no opportunity for Kerala to mount a late challenge. Nair’s composed knock featured 10 boundaries and 2 sixes, and his crucial 182-run partnership with first-innings centurion Malewar effectively put Kerala out of the contest. Darshan Nalkande’s gritty fifty towards the end further helped Vidarbha bat out time, ensuring they played the final day safely.
Also READ: Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Fans celebrate as Vidarbha’s Danish Malewar slams a gritty hundred against Kerala
Vidarbha’s bowling attack delivers under pressure
Vidarbha’s bowlers played a crucial role in setting up the title win by restricting Kerala to 342 in the first innings. The disciplined effort from the bowlers ensured that the team earned the crucial first-innings lead that ultimately decided the championship. While Kerala’s batters showed resilience, Vidarbha’s bowlers kept things tight, never allowing them to take full control. Once the lead was secured, the second innings became about game management, and Vidarbha’s experienced batters ensured there was no risk of a collapse.
With Vidarbha batting deep into the fifth day and denying Kerala any chance of a comeback, the game was all but decided by the final session on March 2. As Kerala ran out of time and options, captains Akshay Wadkar and Sachin Baby shook hands, confirming Vidarbha’s championship win based on the first-innings lead rule.
The celebrations began as Vidarbha lifted their third Ranji Trophy title, etching their name in domestic cricket history once again. The triumph marked a remarkable season for Akshay Wadkar’s men, who navigated a tough campaign and peaked at the right time to claim the championship.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Vidarbha beating Kerala in Ranji QF (2017/18), SF (18/19) and now Final. Well played and congratulations 👏🏻 🏆 Well done to Kerala for making first Ranji final as well 👏🏻 #RanjiTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/95vrcpMWJ1
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 2, 2025
Congrats Vidarbha on your third #RanjiTrophy title. A well deserving one
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) March 2, 2025
Ah I love India! A Keralite playing for Vidarbha is dismissed by a Vidarbhaite playing for Kerala, stumped by wicket-keeper whose district nearly went to Karnataka…. and we are all one, united in celebration of what we all have in common, rather than what divides us. Jai Hind!… pic.twitter.com/w2oglVoyo2
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 2, 2025
Take a bow #Vidarbha. well played #Kerala. If a combined Vidarbha/ Kerala team plays the Current Indian team in a red ball game in India would be fun na ? What do you think will happen? #RanjiTrophy
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) March 2, 2025
Vidarbha! What a stunning #RanjiTrophy unit. Undefeated on their way to a third title in 7 years.
— Lalith Kalidas (@lal__kal) March 2, 2025
Kerala Captain Sachin Baby with the runners up trophy ❤️🙌
What a season for Kerala. Still unbeaten in this #RanjiTrophy campaign – an incredible season
Proud moment for the team and all the fans 👌🏼#RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/1Umqa64OX0
— tj (@TamsterzTJ) March 2, 2025
What a moment for @karun126! A splendid century in the Ranji Trophy Final! And to think this is his 9th hundred in all formats combined this season is just incredible!
Keep pushing yourself, Karun! You’re knocking on the doors of Team India! #Cricket #RanjiTrophy
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) March 2, 2025
Third Ranji trophy title for Vidarbha🏆🏆🏆 #ranjitrophy2025 #Ranji https://t.co/dAM49fcSfC
— Anurag Bhandarwar (@Anurag1123) March 2, 2025
This is the rise of Nagpur !!! This is the rise of Vidarbha !! Third Ranji in last 7 years !! Congratulations Guys, you have made us proud.🙌 https://t.co/p9v3dJVEcU
— Skyscraped (@NagpurInfra) March 2, 2025
