Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Vidarbha clinch Ranji Trophy title, defeat Kerala to secure third crown in 7 years
Xtra Time Web Desk: Vidarbha were crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the third time in seven seasons after securing a first-innings lead against Kerala in the 2024-25 final at Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. Akshay Wadkar’s men sealed the title on Sunday, March 2, after the five-day contest ended in a draw.
Vidarbha posted 379 in their first innings and gained a decisive lead as Kerala were bowled out for 342. With the advantage secured by Day 3, Vidarbha batted patiently in their second innings, stretching their tally to 375 for 9 in 143.5 overs before the captains shook hands in the final session.
Read More: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Anushka stunned as Glenn Phillips pulls off a screamer to dismiss Virat Kohli
Vidarbha’s dominance in red-ball cricket
Emerging as a formidable force in domestic cricket, Vidarbha clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title in 2017-18 and successfully defended it the following season. Despite falling short against Mumbai in last year’s final, they bounced back emphatically to reclaim the crown.
The 2024-25 triumph was fueled by Karun Nair’s batting brilliance and Harsh Dubey’s record-breaking bowling exploits. Nair, in sublime form this season, struck 86 in the first innings before crafting a century in the second to anchor Vidarbha’s dominance. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Danish Malewar was adjudged Player of the Match for his crucial first-innings hundred.
That winning feeling ????
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) March 2, 2025
Vidarbha Captain Akshay Wadkar receives the coveted Ranji Trophy ???? from BCCI President Mr. Roger Binny ???? ????
What a brilliant performance right through the season ????#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank | #Final
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/up5GVaflpp pic.twitter.com/5zDGHzw8NJ
Captain Akshay Wadkar’s reflections
"It was the last day of the season, and everyone worked hard throughout. We’re all very happy. Last year’s loss in the final motivated us to prepare intensely, even during the monsoon. Four of our batters are among the top-ten run-scorers this season, and Harsh Dubey is the highest wicket-taker," Wadkar said after the win.
Read More: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: KL Rahul admits big! Who is the one competing with him for spot in ODI team!
Vidarbha’s commanding run in 2024-25
Vidarbha dominated the league stage, finishing as the best side across all groups with six wins in seven matches, amassing 40 points. Unlike Kerala, who progressed in the knockouts via first-innings leads against Jammu & Kashmir (quarterfinal) and Gujarat (semifinal), Vidarbha secured outright victories.
They outclassed Tamil Nadu, last season’s semifinalists, by 198 runs in the quarterfinal before dismantling defending champions Mumbai by 80 runs in the semifinal, setting the stage for their triumphant final.
With this victory, Vidarbha reaffirmed their stature as a powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket, adding yet another chapter to their remarkable journey.
