Kerala dreams for spectacular Finish in Ranji Trophy as Sachin Baby credits perseverance, KCA support as Driving Force | Exclusive

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Kerala cricket has been on a remarkable journey in the Ranji Trophy, and this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Under the leadership of Sachin Baby, the team has secured a semi-final berth after a stunning performance against Jammu and Kashmir.

Their incredible resilience and determination have set a new benchmark for Kerala cricket, and their captain is optimistic about their chances of going all the way.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Sachin Baby expressed his joy and pride in the team's achievement.

"Yeah, feeling great, obviously, because playing a tournament that is very prestigious in the domestic circuit, that's the Ranji Trophy, and the Kerala team that was always known for white-ball cricket has been doing so well for the last couple of years. Finally, we're getting the reward," he said, giving credit to the Kerala Cricket Association and its members for their vision and dedication.

A Test of Character: Overcoming Adversity

Kerala's quarter-final clash against Jammu and Kashmir was a test of character. At one stage, the team was down by 90 runs with just one wicket in hand, seemingly staring down the barrel of defeat. However, the belief within the squad never wavered. Sachin Baby recalled the dressing room atmosphere during this tense phase.

"Because this is a five-day game and we have experienced the same kind of situation in the league games versus MP, we knew there was still a chance. Even when we were nine down, I told my teammates that this is not a league game. If we concede a lead, we can still come back since we have a few more days left. Lead was not our priority; our mindset was about fighting back," he said.

The game-changing innings from Salman Nizar and a crucial contribution from Basil Thampi turned the tide in Kerala's favor.

"Salman has been doing really well. He has been working so hard for this, all the runs he got. Taking the responsibility in this kind of situation speaks volumes about him," Sachin noted.

Looking Ahead: The Gujarat Challenge

With Gujarat standing in their way in the semi-finals, Kerala faces another tough opponent. However, past encounters have given them confidence.

"We have played Gujarat a couple of times in the past years. Even last time, when we played in Rajkot, we won the game. Before that, in the quarter-finals against Gujarat in Kerala, we also emerged victorious. So we have that confidence in us."

The Rise of Kerala Cricket: A Long-Term Vision of KCA

Kerala's progress in the Ranji Trophy is not a sudden surge but the result of long-term planning and preparation. Sachin Baby credited the KCA for their meticulous approach.

"The preparation has been fantastic. Normally, many state teams start their camps just one or two weeks before the tournament. But our association ensures we start our preparations from June. If it's raining in Kerala, we go to Tamil Nadu or Karnataka for practice games. The vision has been clearly laid out that we have to achieve greatness in the domestic circuit."

This dedication is now paying off, with Kerala establishing itself as a serious contender in the Ranji Trophy. Sachin believes this is just the beginning of a golden era for Kerala cricket.

"We have a lot of fantastic players in our circuit, and I think this is the time that the world will see a lot of players from Kerala doing really well in domestic cricket," he said confidently.

As Kerala gears up for their semi-final battle, the belief within the squad remains stronger than ever. Their journey so far is a testament to hard work and an unyielding desire to create history. Sachin Baby and his men have already made Kerala proud, and now, they stand on the brink of something truly special.