Ranji Trophy 24-25 Final: Kerala etch a famous chapter in the history books of their Ranji Trophy journey, as the side manage to secure their maiden berth in the Final of the tournament after drawing semi-final vs Gujarat at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
A special moment for Kerala 👌
They have qualified for the final for the first time in the #RanjiTrophy 👏
It’s Vidarbha vs Kerala in the final showdown 🔥
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kisimA9o9w#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #GUJvKER | #SF1 pic.twitter.com/VCasFTzbB7
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 21, 2025
The Sachin Baby-led side have a daunting task at their disposal, as they will be facing a Vidarbha side, who not only lost previous edition’s Final, but are making consecutive appearances in the fixture with the elimination of reigning champions Mumbai.
The Final will take place in Vidarbha’s home, Nagpur, starting from February 26.
READ HERE: Defending Champions Out! Vidarbha Stun Star-Studded Mumbai, Storm Into Ranji Trophy 24-25 Final
After securing a dramatic 2-run lead in the first innings, Kerala had already placed one foot in the final, and the side managed to see-off the final two sessions by scoring 114/4 in 46 overs.
“Feeling very great. It was a dream for me to play a Ranji Final for Kerala. We are very happy as a unit. On behalf of the entire association, the coaching staff and everyone, we are very delighted to play the Finals now,” said a delighted Sachin Baby (Kerala Captain).
ALSO ON ABP LIVE: Watch: Drama Unfolds In Ahmedabad As ‘Helmet’ Assists Kerala To Create History In Ranji Trophy SF
“Um, when we batted first, we thought that the wicket will do a bit. We first thought that it will spin from the third day. We had our magician Jalaj but it was not spinning much. Credit to Gujarat as well for giving us a tough fight. So sorry for that last dismissal with the way it happened but we worked really hard to make it to the Finals,” said the 36-year-old.
“When I dropped the catch, I thought the match was gone. Jaymeet was playing so well and we desperately needed that wicket. So after dropping the catch, I thought, it was gone but in that same over, we got that stumping. So I think it was planned. Sarwate was not bowling at the right areas in the first couple of days. We had a chat with him today and he was charged up. I told him that you will get a five-wicket haul. I wanted to show the ball to Vidarbha team. Very happy with his performance,” he added.
Mohammed Azharuddeen Awarded Player of the Match
Mohammed Azharuddeen’s sensational unbeaten knock of 177 not only propelled Kerala beying the 450-run mark, but with him scoring 3 more runs proving to de extremely decisive, as Gujarat missed out on taking a crucial lead by the same margin.
For his antics in the Rnaji Trophy semi-final, the wicket-keeper batsman was awarded the Player of the Match.
Here’s what he said during post-match presentation ceremony:
“It’s a very special feeling. First of all, I am dedicating this special award to my parents, who are not with me anymore. Yeah, it’s a very special feeling. I am taking this opportunity to thank Kerala cricket. Also, I would like to take a few names, because of injuries they couldn’t be part of us – Sanju Bhai, Vishnu Vinod and Aparajith. For Kerala cricket, they are always part of us. We are going to play the Finals for the first time and it’s a great feeling for me.”
“We were playing very good cricket for the first time. I just took the team situation personally. I was avoiding few shots and wanted to bat long. (Partnership with Salman Nizar) Yeah, it’s been more than 10 years, we are playing together. We know each other very well. In terms of running between the wickets, we don’t call, we have that understanding of when to run and when not to.”
“Well we were very desperate to do something today for Kerala cricket. I was very happy to do the stumping and get the first wicket of the day for my team. Very happy.”
