Vidarbha clinch third Ranji Trophy title as Karun Nair emerges as the hero

Vidarbha won their third Ranji Trophy title after securing a first-innings lead against Kerala in the 2024-25 final match at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on Sunday, March 2. The summit clash ended in a draw on day five, but Vidarbha were declared champions based on their superior first-innings performance.

Vidarbha, led by Akshay Wadkar, secured a decisive 37-run first-innings lead in the final. They posted 379 runs in their first innings and then bowled out Kerala for 342. Karun Nair scored a century in the second innings as Vidarbha scored 375/9. The first-innings lead proved crucial for the home team.

Vidarbha Secure Third Ranji Trophy Title After First-Innings Lead Over Kerala

Vidarbha ended their six-year wait for a third Ranji Trophy title. They won their first title in the 2017-18 season, defeating Rishabh Pant-led Delhi by nine wickets. The team successfully defended their crown in 2018-19, beating Saurashtra by 78 runs in the final at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

The Akshay Wadkar-led team also reached the Ranji Trophy final last year but finished as runners-up to Ajinkya Rahane-led Mumbai. For Kerala, this was their first-ever Ranji Trophy final clash. However, the Sachin Baby-led team fell short of securing the title despite their strong efforts throughout the season.

Watch: Vidarbha's Winning Moments in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Domestic shared the winning moments on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption:

"Vidarbha are #RanjiTrophy 2024-25 winners 🏆 🙌 Joy. Tears. Pride 😀👌 They lift the title by virtue of taking the 1st innings lead against Kerala in the Final 👏 The celebrations begin 🥳"

𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐡𝐚 𝐚𝐫𝐞 #𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒-𝟐𝟓 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 🏆 🙌

Joy. Tears. Pride 😀👌

They lift the title by virtue of taking the 1st innings lead against Kerala in the Final 👏

The celebrations begin 🥳@IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/CXjVNPPCE7

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 2, 2025

Danish Malewar, Karun Nair Play Crucial Role in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Victory

Danish Malewar played a crucial role in the final. He scored 153 runs in the first innings off 285 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes. The batter added 73 from 162 balls in the second inning. Malewar finished the season with 783 runs at an average of 52.80 from nine matches, including two tons and six fifties.

Vidarbha suffered collapses in both innings but were rescued by crucial stands between Malewar and Karun Nair. They were struggling at 24/3 in the first innings before the duo stitched together a crucial 215-run stand. They again revived the team from 7/2 with an 182-run stand for the third wicket in the third innings.

Sachin Baby was the best batter for Kerala in their second innings. He scored a crucial 98 off 235 balls, which included 10 fours. During his innings, Baby added a 63-run partnership with Sarwate and later 59 runs for the sixth wicket with Mohammed Azharuddeen. His 98 was his highest score of the season.

Most Successful Teams in Ranji Trophy (Min. 3 Titles)

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