Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Kerala on the verge of History, set for maiden Ranji Final

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Kerala are on the verge of making history as they look set to qualify for Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final, for the very first time in their history.

At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kerala managed a first-innings lead against Gujarat on the final day by just 2 runs.

With around two sessions left, the Sachin Baby-led side will have to avoid an outright defeat and that shall take them to the final by the virtue of first innings lead.

Kerala batted first in the semifinal and piled 457 runs, courtesy of a magnificent Mohammad Azharuddeen who scored 177 runs. Captain Sachin Baby and Salman Nizar also scored crucial half-centuries. In reply, Gujarat came agonizingly close but got bundled out for 455 runs.

Starting the final day with just 28 runs needed for the lead with three wickets in hand for Gujarat, Aditya Sarvate turned hero for Kerala who picked all three wickets. The last one of Arzan Nagwaswalla was a fortunate one as his shot struck the helmet of the forward short-leg fielder, and then ballooned up for a simple catch at slip.

Kerala captain Sachin Baby spoke to MyKhel at the start of the season and said they were preparing for the next step, which was to qualify for the Ranji final.

"Kerala has always been doing really well in all three formats. When I started my career, people used to say that Kerala has a very good white-ball team. Everyone had the belief that we could also do really well in red-ball. And that belief is doing well in the last two years," Baby said to MyKhel in October.

Under the guidance of head coach Amay Khurasiya, Kerala has looked immense this season and is now on the verge of accomplishing its primary mission.

In the other semifinal, Vidarbha are also closing in on Mumbai and may book their place for the Final, which will commence on February 26.