The stage is set for an exciting Ranji Trophy final as Kerala take on Vidarbha in the summit clash of India’s premier domestic cricket tournament. This highly anticipated encounter will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur, starting from 26 February.
Kerala, reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, will be eager to create history by lifting the prestigious trophy.
Having previously reached the semi-final only once, they have now taken a step further, edging past Gujarat by just two runs on the basis of a first-innings lead. It was a moment of triumph for the team, ending a long 68-year wait to feature in the title clash.
On the other hand, Vidarbha, a team with experience at this stage, will be looking to add another Ranji Trophy title to their cabinet. The side has previously won the tournament twice, in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.
They made a strong statement in the semi-finals by securing an 80-run victory over defending champions Mumbai, showing their intent to reclaim the title.
With contrasting journeys, the final promises to be a thrilling contest between an experienced team and a determined challenger. Kerala, under the leadership of Sachin Baby, have shown great resilience throughout the tournament.
Their squad includes key players such as Rohan S. Kunnummal, Baba Aparajith, Vishnu Vinod, and Jalaj Saxena, who will be crucial in their bid for a historic triumph.
Vidarbha, led by Akshay Wadkar, boast a strong squad featuring experienced names like Karun Nair, Dhruv Shorey, Akshay Karnewar, and Yash Thakur. Their balanced side, with a mix of promising young talent and seasoned players, makes them a formidable opponent.
The final is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM IST on 26 February and will run until 2 March, giving fans five days of top-quality red-ball cricket. The match will be played at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, which has previously hosted several memorable encounters.
Cricket enthusiasts in India will be able to watch the match live through streaming services. The final will be available on the JioHotstar app and website, although details about television telecast are yet to be confirmed.
With everything on the line, both teams will be eager to bring their best game to the field. Vidarbha will rely on their experience, while Kerala will be driven by the hunger to make history.
As the Ranji Trophy final unfolds, cricket fans can expect a contest filled with intensity, strategy, and moments that could define the future of Indian domestic cricket.
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