Nagpur:Vidarbha meticulously executed their strategy, batting for nearly five sessions and capitalizing on a 37-run first innings lead to secure their third Ranji Trophy title on Sunday. Kerala, competing in the finals for the first time, put forth a commendable effort; however, Vidarbha's dedication and discipline throughout the season, which also saw them finish as runners-up in the 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy, ultimately paid off.

Kerala was left to reflect on pivotal moments that could have altered the match's outcome. If captain Sachin Baby had not attempted a slog sweep while on 98 with the innings lead in sight on Day 3, the result might have been significantly different. Additionally, failing to dismiss Karun Nair early on Day 4, after the hosts lost two quick wickets in their second innings, further hindered their chances. Vidarbha capitalized on these opportunities, securing their third title after the final concluded in a draw at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Following consecutive victories in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, along with last season's runners-up finish, Vidarbha has firmly established itself as a dominant force in domestic cricket.

Under the leadership of wicketkeeper Akshay Wadkar and head coach Usman Ghani, the team delivered impressive performances throughout this edition of the Ranji Trophy, which was uniquely divided into two halves for the first time in its 90-year history. Vidarbha emerged as the top team across the four Elite groups, achieving six victories in seven matches and accumulating 40 points. They maintained this momentum into the knockout stages.

In contrast to Kerala, who advanced through the knockouts with narrow victories over Jammu and Kashmir in the quarter-finals and Gujarat in the semi-finals based on first-innings leads, Vidarbha secured outright wins—defeating Tamil Nadu, last year's semi-finalists, by 198 runs in the quarter-finals and the defending champions Mumbai by 80 runs in the semi-finals. Overall, Vidarbha triumphed in nine of their ten matches this season, underscoring their supremacy in India's premier domestic competition.

On Sunday, Vidarbha executed their game plan effectively, successfully batting out Kerala and reaching a total of 375/9, highlighted by Karun Nair's impressive innings of 135 runs off 295 balls.

The triumph was achieved on the back of all-round performances, which had two of Vidarbha’s youngest players taking charge.

Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey, aged 22, set a new record for the most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season, achieving 69 dismissals and surpassing the previous record of 68 held by Ashutosh Aman from Bihar. He was awarded the Player-of-the-Tournament title. Dubey expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a dream come true… In the off-season, I worked on my fitness and skills. This is a result of all that,” during an interview with the broadcaster.

Additionally, Dubey applied batting techniques suggested by R Ashwin, accumulating 476 runs with five half-centuries, indicating his potential as a spin-bowling all-rounder for India. He clarified his role by saying, “I wouldn’t call myself a bowling allrounder; rather, I am a batting allrounder. I love batting.”

The 24-year-old Yash Rathod, known for his spectacles, emerged as the season's highest run-scorer, amassing 960 runs at an average of 53.33, which included five centuries and three fifties.

Nair, who joined Vidarbha just before this season, not only spearheaded their efforts in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with five centuries but also ranked as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy, accumulating 863 runs in nine matches at an average of 53.93, featuring four centuries and two fifties. In the final match, he scored 86 and 135 runs. The 21-year-old Malewar contributed significantly as well, scoring 153 and 73 in the final, finishing fifth overall with 783 runs at an average of 52.20, including two centuries and six fifties.

Nair and Malewar were pivotal for Vidarbha in the final, forming partnerships of 215 and 183 runs that helped the team recover from challenging situations. Skipper Akshay Wadkar, who is set to retire, also made notable contributions, totaling 722 runs at an average of 45.12, with two centuries and two fifties.

Wadkar remarked, “Everyone worked hard throughout, and we’re all very happy. Last year, we lost the final. So, we prepared during the monsoon itself. Every individual worked on himself.”

Brief scores: Vidarbha 379 and 375/9 (D Malewar 73, K Nair 135, D Nalkande 51*, A Sarwate 4

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