With Vidarbha enjoying a 286-run lead, Day 5 of the Ranji Trophy final would be just a formality.
A masterful century by Karun Nair powered Vidarbha to a commanding position on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy final, sending Kerala reeling. The seasoned batter’s unbeaten 132 off 280 balls anchored Vidarbha to 249/4 at stumps, stretching their lead to a daunting 286 runs.
Kerala, playing their maiden Ranji final, had started the day in dream fashion, reducing Vidarbha to 7/2 in just 2.2 overs. But their inexperience showed as they let the advantage slip, thanks to a crucial 182-run stand between Nair and Danish Malewar (73). Akshay Wadkar (4*) was at the crease alongside Nair at the close of play.
Karun Nair deflates Kerala’s hopes
Vidarbha had entered the second innings with a slim 37-run lead, and Kerala knew they had to strike early. Captain Sachin Baby made an aggressive move, opening the bowling with off-spinner Jalaj Saxena alongside pacer M D Nidheesh. The decision paid immediate dividends as Saxena cleaned up Parth Rekhade with his very first ball. Nidheesh followed it up in the next over, forcing Dhruv Shorey into an edge that wicketkeeper Mohammed Azharuddeen grabbed brilliantly.
However, from the depths of 7/2, Nair and Malewar once again showed why they have been the backbone of Vidarbha’s batting. The pair had already tormented Kerala in the first innings with a 215-run stand, and they carried that confidence into the second essay. Malewar, fresh from his first-innings century, looked solid before falling to Akshay Chandran.
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Nair, on the other hand, was a picture of patience and determination. Having missed out on a century in the first innings, getting run out for 86, he made no mistake this time. Despite being dropped on 31 by Chandran off young Eden Apple Tom, Nair marched on to his ninth century of the season. His innings, studded with crisp drives and resolute defense, ensured that Vidarbha took firm control of the contest.
With Kerala’s batting struggling to hold its nerve under pressure—evident in their collapse from 324/7 to 342 all out in the first innings—the final day presents an uphill battle. If Kerala cannot dismiss Vidarbha early on Day 5 and chase down the target, Vidarbha will be crowned champions by virtue of their first-innings lead.
Brief scores: Vidarbha 379 & 249/4 in 90 overs (Karun Nair 132 not out, Danish Malewar 73) vs Kerala 342. Stumps on Day 4 (Vidarbha lead by 286 runs)
Ranji Trophy Winners List last 7 years
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Winning Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Vidarbha | Delhi | Faiz Fazal |
| 2018-19 | Vidarbha | Saurashtra | Faiz Fazal |
| 2019-20 | Saurashtra | Bengal | Jaydev Unadkat |
| 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Mumbai | Aditya Shrivastava |
| 2022-23 | Saurashtra | Bengal | Jaydev Unadkat |
| 2023-24 | Mumbai | Vidarbha | Ajinkya Rahane |
| 2024-25 | (Possibly Vidarbha) | (Possibly Kerala) | (Possibly Akshay Wadkar) |
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