Ranji Trophy Final : A sensational unbeaten century by Karun Nair has put Vidarbha on the cusp of their third Ranji Trophy title in the last seven years. On Day 4 of the 2025 Ranji Trophy final, Nair’s flawless 132 off 280 deliveries propelled Vidarbha to 249/4 at stumps, giving them a commanding 286-run lead over Kerala. With just a day left in the contest, only a miraculous turnaround can prevent Vidarbha from lifting the trophy.
Ranji Trophy Final : Karun Nair’s Masterclass Puts Vidarbha on Brink of Third Ranji Trophy Title in Seven Years
Nair’s Brilliance Rescues Vidarbha from Early Collapse
Vidarbha started their second innings with a slim 37-run lead, but Kerala had a dream start, reducing them to 7/2 in just 2.2 overs. Jalaj Saxena and M D Nidheesh rattled the top order, giving the first-time finalists hope of staging an upset. However, Nair, along with Danish Malewar, stood tall, stitching together a match-defining 182-run partnership.
Malewar, who had already tormented Kerala with a century in the first innings, scored a crucial 73 before falling to Akshay Chandran. However, Nair continued his dominance, ensuring Vidarbha strengthened their grip on the match. Dropped on 31 by Chandran off Eden Apple Tom, he made the most of the reprieve, bringing up his fourth century of the season in style.
Vidarbha’s Title Hopes Skyrocket
With Kerala’s batting lineup showing vulnerability under pressure—evident from their first-innings collapse from 324/7 to 342 all out—they now face an uphill battle. If they fail to bowl out Vidarbha early and chase down the total, Vidarbha will be crowned champions based on their first-innings lead.
Brief Scores:
- Vidarbha: 379 & 249/4 in 90 overs (Karun Nair 132*, Danish Malewar 73)
- Kerala: 342 (First innings lead: Vidarbha by 37 runs)
- Vidarbha Lead: 286 runs (Stumps on Day 4)
Karun Nair’s Redemption Arc
Nair’s journey to this moment has been remarkable. Once a rising star for Karnataka, he found himself out of favor in 2023 and made a bold move to Vidarbha. Interestingly, he had also considered joining Kerala but ultimately chose Vidarbha. His stellar performance in the final has now ensured that his name will be etched in Vidarbha’s cricketing history.
In an interview with Malayalam Channel 24, Nair admitted, “There were discussions about me joining Kerala, but things didn’t materialize. At the same time, Vidarbha approached me, and I decided to take the offer. Looking back, it has been a great decision.”
What’s Next?
With just one day left in the match, Kerala’s only chance of scripting history is by bowling Vidarbha out quickly and successfully chasing down the target. However, with Nair in supreme form and Vidarbha’s lead nearing 300, the odds are stacked against them. If Kerala falls short, Vidarbha will add another Ranji Trophy title to their 2017-18 and 2018-19 triumphs.
FAQs
How many Ranji Trophy titles has Vidarbha won before 2025?
Vidarbha has won the Ranji Trophy twice before— in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.
What is Karun Nair’s highest score in Ranji Trophy?
Karun Nair’s highest score in the Ranji Trophy is 328, which he scored for Karnataka.
