Vidarbha vs Kerala Ranji Trophy final 2025: The much-anticipated Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final between Vidarbha (VID) and Kerala (KER) is underway at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. The five-day clash, which began on February 26, promises an intense battle as both teams eye domestic cricket’s most prestigious title.
Vidarbha’s Dominant Journey
Vidarbha has been the most consistent team this season, finishing atop the Elite Group B points table with six wins in seven matches. They stormed into the final with emphatic victories over Tamil Nadu and Mumbai in the knockout rounds, maintaining an unbeaten run. Their formidable batting unit, led by Yash Rathod (933 runs in 9 matches) and skipper Akshay Wadkar (674 runs in 9 matches), will be crucial in this high-stakes contest.
The team also boasts an all-round powerhouse in Harsh Dubey, who has been phenomenal with 460 runs and 66 wickets in 9 matches. With home advantage and recent form, Vidarbha is considered the favorite to lift the title.
Kerala’s Road to the Final
Kerala has been the dark horse of the tournament, finishing second in Elite Group C with three wins and four draws. Their path to the final was secured through first-innings leads over Jammu & Kashmir and Gujarat in the knockout stages.
Key players like Salman Nizar (607 runs in 8 matches) and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen (601 runs in 9 matches) have played crucial roles. Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has also been instrumental with 338 runs and 38 wickets. Despite being the underdogs, Kerala will be aiming to script history by securing their maiden Ranji Trophy title.
Pitch Report & Match Expectations
The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium has been a balanced surface for batters and bowlers alike. The average first-innings total in the last three matches at the venue is 309 runs, indicating a good start for teams batting first. While stroke-makers will look to capitalize early, both fast bowlers and spinners are expected to make an impact as the match progresses.
The toss and initial overs will set the tone for this gripping final, with Vidarbha looking to continue their dominance and Kerala aiming to cause an upset.
VID vs KER match prediction
Recent trends suggest that the team batting first will have a better chance of clinching victory. Given their superior form and depth, Vidarbha enters the final as the favorites, but Kerala’s resilience makes them a formidable opponent.