Vidarbha crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the third time

Vidarbha clinched their third Ranji Trophy title on Sunday, March 2, 2025, by drawing the final against Kerala and securing a first-innings lead at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. This victory adds to their previous titles from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, solidifying their status as a dominant force in Indian domestic cricket.

In the first innings, Vidarbha posted a total of 379 runs, with Danish Malewar contributing a significant 153 runs and Karun Nair adding 86. Kerala responded with 342 runs, falling short by 37 runs, which ultimately proved decisive. Vidarbha’s bowlers, including Harsh Dubey, Parth Rekhade, and Darshan Nalkande, each claimed three wickets, restricting Kerala’s progress.

In their second innings, Vidarbha strengthened their position by reaching 375/9 before the match concluded. Karun Nair was instrumental once again, scoring 135 runs, marking his ninth century across formats this domestic season. Darshan Nalkande also contributed a valuable unbeaten 51 runs.

This season, Vidarbha showcased consistent excellence, winning nine out of ten matches. Their journey to the final included decisive victories over Tamil Nadu in the quarterfinals and defending champions Mumbai in the semifinals. The team’s success was bolstered by standout performances from players like Harsh Dubey, who set a new record with 69 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season, and Yash Rathod, who amassed 960 runs, including five centuries.

Reflecting on the triumph, Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar expressed immense satisfaction, especially after the previous season’s final loss. He highlighted the team’s rigorous preparation and individual efforts, stating, “Last year, we lost the final. So we prepared during the monsoon itself. Every individual worked on himself.” This victory not only underscores Vidarbha’s resilience but also cements their reputation as one of the premier teams in Indian domestic cricket.