Sachin Baby made his debut in the Ranji Trophy in 2009 against Andhra Pradesh. After 15 years, the left-handed batsman, who currently captains Kerala, has led his team to the Ranji Trophy final. This marks the first time in 74 years that Kerala has reached the finals of India's premier domestic red-ball tournament, achieving a thrilling two-run victory over Gujarat in the semi-final last week.

On the final day of the knockout match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, dramatic events unfolded. A deflection off Salman Nizar's helmet at short leg enabled Kerala to progress to the final, where they will face Vidarbha. Following the ricochet from Salman's helmet, Sachin Baby executed a catch that will remain etched in his memory. This catch allowed Kerala to secure a first-innings lead of two runs, which ultimately proved sufficient for them to make history.

"It feels incredible. Having participated in this tournament for such a long time, reaching the final of this prestigious event is particularly special for me and my team, as this is our first final in the domestic circuit. Although I won the Duleep Trophy two years ago, we have yet to secure a trophy for Kerala or reach the final stages of any domestic competition," stated skipper Sachin Baby in an interview with The Hindustan Times.

"We last faced Vidarbha in the semi-finals six years ago and were unable to advance. Now, after so many years, we are once again up against Vidarbha in the final, which makes it feel very special," he added.

Nizar appeared to be in some discomfort after the ball hit his helmet. Following an assessment, he was substituted by Shoun Roger, who came in as a concussion replacement. Nizar experienced nausea, prompting the team to send him to the hospital for further evaluation. He was taken out on a stretcher and left the stadium in an ambulance. Fortunately, ahead of the final, Sachin has received positive news regarding Nizar's condition, which is reassuring for both the Kerala team and its supporters.

He is currently in good health. Following a concerning incident after a collision, he was taken to the hospital for evaluation. After undergoing scans, the results were normal, and he returned after approximately two hours, as stated by the Kerala captain.

Kerala required a stroke of fortune to secure a victory over Gujarat; however, it is important to highlight that their advancement to the semi-finals was determined by a first-innings lead against Jammu and Kashmir. In both the quarter-final and semi-final matches, Kerala achieved narrow first-innings advantages, which were sufficient for their progression.

"We experienced anxiety towards the conclusion of the matches. Each game felt like a do-or-die situation for us due to the competitive nature of our group, which included teams like Bengal, Mumbai, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. We persevered and performed admirably in the group stages, ultimately qualifying for the quarter-finals and semi-finals. We were fortunate, and I believe that our luck stemmed from our diligent efforts over the past few years," remarked Baby.

"I have been a member of this team for 15 years, and I am acutely aware of the dedication we have invested over the years. The hard work we have put in has finally begun to yield results."

In further comments, Sachin Baby stated, "As the captain, I have had several noteworthy individual performances. The last two seasons have been particularly rewarding for me, with 830 runs scored in each season. This brings me great satisfaction. When the team performs well, it enhances that sense of fulfillment, and this year has been exceptionally significant for me throughout my 15-year journey. I would consider this season's accomplishments among the greatest in my career," he concluded.

How Sachin Baby sees the contest against Vidarbha unfolding?

The Ranji Trophy final featuring Kerala and Vidarbha is scheduled to commence on February 26. Kerala's captain, Sachin Baby, acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Karun Nair's Vidarbha and recognizes that his team must exert considerable effort to secure their first title.

"It promises to be an excellent match, as both teams have demonstrated strong performances over an extended period. Vidarbha has shown remarkable consistency over the past two years, having reached the finals last year. They are a formidable side, and Karun has been exceptional for them. Therefore, I anticipate a thrilling contest," remarked the 36-year-old.

While every member of the squad has contributed significantly to Kerala's journey to the final, Baby specifically highlighted Jalaj Saxena, who has proven to be an invaluable asset with unparalleled statistics in domestic cricket. By the end of 2024, the spinner became the first player in the tournament's history to achieve 6,000 runs and over 400 wickets.

"He serves as a cornerstone for our team. It is rare to find a cricketer with 6,000 runs and more than 400 wickets in the domestic arena. While some players may have 400 wickets, they often lack batting prowess, and others may excel with 8,000 runs but not perform well with the ball. We are fortunate to have a player who excels in both disciplines, and I am delighted to have him on our team, having played alongside us for the past eight to nine years," stated Baby.

"Since joining Kerala, he has become more than just a player; he is like a brother to us. I hold him in high regard," he added.

Traditionally recognized as a football-centric state, Kerala has made remarkable progress in cricket in recent years, producing numerous exceptional players. Sanju Samson has emerged as a prominent figure, while Sachin Baby is widely acknowledged for his role in promoting the sport's development in the state, alongside the Kerala Cricket Association.

The Kerala Cricket Association has consistently offered numerous facilities throughout the years. They initiated the Cricket Academy and have dedicated significant effort to support this team for an extended period, he remarked. "Additionally, the Kerala Cricket League took place last year, which has inspired many cricketers in the region to pursue the sport. This is a positive development, and achieving success in Kerala cricket will further encourage aspiring cricketers to engage with the game."

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