Former India pacer and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad termed Jalaj Saxena's non-selection from the South Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2023 as shameful. The domestic season is about to start soon in India. Duleep Trophy 2023 will start first from June 28. Six teams have been announced for this. In all these teams, some such players have not found a place who have performed brilliantly at the domestic level. Among them is all-rounder Jalaj Saxena.
Venkatesh Prasad vented his anger at the selection committee for not including Jalaj Saxena. Image- Tribune India
Questioning the BCCI's selection system, Venkatesh Prasad tweeted, "There are many laughable things happening in Indian cricket. The highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy not being picked even for the South Zone team is as baffling as it gets. Just renders the Ranji Trophy useless..what a shame."
There are many laughable things happening in Indian cricket. The highest wicket taker in Ranji Trophy not being picked even for the South Zone team is as baffling as it gets. Just renders the Ranji Trophy useless..what a shame https://t.co/pI57RbrI81
Venkatesh Prasad vented his anger at the selection committee for not including Jalaj Saxena. He called Saxena's omission as "baffling", claiming the selectors didn't give much weightage to India's premier red ball domestic competition, which is the Ranji Trophy.
Jalaj Saxena, the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, took to Twitter to express his disappointment. The all-rounder from Kerala took 50 wickets in 13 innings in the Ranji Trophy last season. His best performance was 11 for 102 against Services. Despite this, BCCI didn't select him for the Duleep Trophy.
Saxena has been a regular figure in the domestic circuit and has made 133 first-class appearances, during which he has claimed a total of 410 wickets. He also has 6567 runs under his name at an average of 34.74, which include 14 hundreds and 32 fifties. The 2023 edition of Duleep Trophy will start from June 28, also marking the starts of the senior men's 2023-24 domestic season in India.
Highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy in India( Elite Group) didn't get picked in Duleep trophy. Can you please check whether it has ever happened in the Indian Domestic history? Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone 🙏 https://t.co/Koewj6ekRt
Most quickly, Saxena himself put this matter before the world. He expressed his grief by tweeting. Jalaj wrote, "Highest wicket taker in Ranji trophy in India ( Elite Group) didn't get picked in Duleep trophy. Can you please check whether it has ever happened in the Indian Domestic history? Just wanted to know. Not blaming anyone."
Monster Hits: Top 10 Longest Sixes in IPL History That Shook the Stadiums
Albie Morkel has hit the longest six in IPL history with a massive 125m six in IPL 2008. Here is the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history. A few names will shock you.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a festival of big hits, explosive innings, and jaw-dropping sixes since its inception in 2008. While many sixes are hit every season, only a few stand out for their sheer distance.
These monstrous hits don’t just clear the boundary—they clear stadiums, dent roofs, and sometimes even disappear into the night. Here’s a rundown of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history, and the Players whose raw power made them unforgettable.
(10) Liam Livingstone - 117 meters (PBKS vs GT, 2022)
Liam Livingstone representing Punjab Kings in IPL 2022-24
Liam Livingstone hit a 117-meter six at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. His raw, savage hitting came while representing the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans. Livingstone’s aggressive batting style added a new dimension to the IPL's power-hitting tradition.
In the 16th over, Livingstone launched Mohammed Shami’s short ball over deep midwicket. The sound off the bat, the launch angle, and the distance of the six were commendable. It was the longest six of the 2022 season and one of the most replayed moments on social media.
(9) Gautam Gambhir - 117 meters (KKR vs RR, 2013)
Gautam Gambir, the Captain of Kolkata Knight Riders
Known for his gritty batting and match-winning leadership, Gambhir was not the kind of player you would expect to smash 100+ meter sixes.
But he shocked everyone in 2013 when he struck a 117-meter six playing for KKR against the Rajasthan Royals. He picked up a short ball and hammered it deep into the stands — a 117-meter monster against S Sreesanth at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The back-foot shot was so clean and powerful that it left everyone stunned, as it was unexpected from someone like Gautam Gambhir, who built his game on timing and not power-hitting. It proved that even the most technically correct batters can deliver a serious punch.
(8) Ben Cutting – 117 meters (SRH vs RCB, 2016)
Ben Cutting played a important knock of 39* runs off just 15 balls in the IPL 2016 Final Match
During the 2016 IPL final between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ben Cutting smashed a full toss ball of Shane Watson over backwards square leg with a clean strike, and it measured a 117-meter six, making it not just long but legendary at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
What made it even more iconic was the situation of that match. Ben Cutting’s 39* runs off just 15 balls with 3 fours and 4 huge sixes gave SRH the final push to reach the total of 208 runs. He then came back with the ball to take 2 wickets, including Gayle and KL Rahul. His all-around performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped SRH lift their maiden IPL trophy in 2016 under the captaincy of David Warner.
(7) Ross Taylor – 119 meters (RCB vs CSK, 2008)
Ross Taylor representing Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ross Taylor smashed a 119-meter six against his Kiwi team-mate Jacob Oram in the deep mid-wicket area. It came during the inaugural edition of IPL in the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Ross Taylor was representing RCB, and Jacob was playing for CSK.
Taylor's technique – staying still and unleashing raw power – made this six particularly memorable, and it was so long that it made it to the list of Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
While Ross Taylor may be remembered more for his classical stroke play and calm middle-order presence, that 119-meter six remains a loud reminder that underestimate his muscle, and he’ll send the ball into orbit.
(6) Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters (KXIP vs CSK, 2009)
Yuvraj Singh, the first captain of Kings XI Punjab
Yuvraj Singh smashed a massive 119-meter six with his signature flick shot over the midwicket area against the delivery of Albie Morkel at the SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion, South Africa. Yuvraj Singh, being one of the important players of Kings XI Punjab in that season, hit that six against Chennai Super Kings.
In the IPL 2009 season, Yuvraj wasn’t just clearing boundaries; he also made headlines with two hat-tricks as a part-time spinner. But moments like this, 119 meters six reminded everyone of what he did best: destroy bowling attacks with his power-hitting.
Unlike many power-hitters who rely on brute force, Yuvraj had a unique blend of timing and wristwork. This particular 119-meter six was a classic example—it looked casual, but it was massive.
(5) Chris Gayle – 119 meters (RCB vs PWI, 2013)
Chris Gayle celebrating after hitting the fastest century in the history of IPL in just 30 balls
On April 13, 2013, known as the "Universe Boss", Chris Gayle, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, unleashed carnage with an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls with 13 fours and 17 sixes against Pune Warriors India, still the highest individual score in T20 history.
Among the 17 sixes he smashed that day, one stood out—a 119-meter monster six which came against the left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza, and everybody knew that this six would definitely make its entry in the unique list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
Gayle picked up a tossed-up delivery and sent it sailing high over long-on, clearing the stadium roof. What made the shot even more iconic was how casual it looked.
There was no slog, no overextension; just a flick of those massive shoulders. And that’s what sets Gayle apart. His sixes don’t just travel far; they leave dents in the minds of bowlers.
Robin Uthappa representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2009-10
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Robin Uthappa hit a massive 120-meter six against the delivery of Dwayne Bravo, who was playing for Mumbai Indians. Often underrated in terms of raw power, Robin Uthappa hammered the full-length delivery, and it sailed over the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
He shuffled slightly to the offside and struck the full delivery high over wide long-on. The white ball flew above the stadium, high over the concrete roof.
What made this 120-meter six remarkable was how clean the strike was. Uthappa didn’t muscle it; he timed it with perfection.
That’s what shocked everyone—how effortless it looked coming off the bat, yet how far it travelled. In an era dominated by big names like Gayle, Dhoni, AB De Villiers, and Pollard, Robin Uthappa quietly carved out his own moment of IPL glory with that 120-meter majestic six.
(3) Adam Gilchrist – 122 meters (KXIP vs RCB, 2011)
Adam Gilchrist celebrating after smashing 106 runs off just 55 balls against RCB in 2011
Adam Gilchrist’s 122-meter six in the 2011 IPL was a throwback to his peak days of fearless, no-nonsense hitting. Representing Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Aussie legend unleashed one of the biggest sixes in tournament history—a 122-meter six of pure, clean power.
The shot came at the Dharamsala ground, known for its high altitude and quick carry. Gilchrist capitalised on that, but this wasn’t a thin-air fluke—it was a full-blooded pull shot off Charl Langeveldt.
The ball rocketed into the mountainside air, disappearing deep into the stands beyond mid-wicket. Even by Gilchrist’s own explosive standards, this was massive.
That innings was special in itself—Gilchrist smashed 106 off 55 balls in that match with 8 fours and 9 sixes, leading from the front with a captain’s knock. But the 122-meter six became one of the most talked-about moments, not just for its length but for the man who hit it.
(2) Praveen Kumar – 124 meters (RCB vs RR, 2008)
Praveen Kumar representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL
Praveen Kumar, mainly acknowledged for his swing bowling, shocked everyone by hitting a 124-meter six during the 2008 season when he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, against the Rajasthan Royals.
In that match, Kumar smashed a huge six off the bowling of Yusuf Pathan, sending the ball flying over long-on. This massive 124-meter six stands as one of the longest in IPL history and is the longest six ever hit by an Indian player in the IPL.
It is important to point out that there is some variation in the reporting about the year and the opposing team for this six.
Some sources place the 124-meter six during a match against the Mumbai Indians in the year 2011, with Kumar hitting the huge six for Kings XI Punjab against Lasith Malinga. However, some reputable accounts put the 124-meter six at the 2008 match against the Rajasthan Royals.
Regardless of the exact details, Praveen Kumar's 124-meter six remains a standout moment in IPL history, showcasing his unexpected power-hitting ability.
(1) Albie Morkel – 125 meters (CSK vs DC, 2008)
Albie Morkel representing Chennai Super Kings in the IPL
South African all-rounder Albie Morkel holds the record for the longest six in IPL history. Playing for Chennai Super Kings against Deccan Chargers, Morkel launched a delivery from Pragyan Ojha to an astounding 125 meters six, sending the ball onto the stadium roof at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The shot was classic Morkel—high bat lift, full commitment, and insane raw power. What made it even more impressive was that it wasn’t a slog. It was a technically sound, full swing of the bat that met the ball perfectly in the slot. The bat speed generated by Morkel without much footwork—pure timing and raw strength.
Over 18 years later, no one has topped that 125-meter giant six, and it's a record that stands as a reminder of just how brutal Morkel could be when he found his arc. This 125-meter six by Albie Morkel tops the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
The premier domestic competition named after the first Indian cricketer, Ranjitsinhji, who was also known as 'Ranji', was launched in 1934-35 featuring 15 teams in four zones in a knockout format and has since expanded to a 32-team tournament in the league and knockout format.
The first-ever edition was won by Bombay now known as Mumbai, who have also won the Ranji title the most. Record champions Mumbai have won the Ranji Trophy 41 times so far. Mumbai has also reached the final 47 times.
Karnataka earlier played as Mysore is the second most successful team in the Ranji Trophy, having won the title 8 times and finished runners up 6 times followed by Delhi, who have won the title 7 times and finished as runners-up 8 times.
The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 has finally concluded with Vidarbha winning their third Ranji title defeating Kerala in the finals. Let's check out the last 10 winners of the Ranji title.
Ranji Trophy was founded as the 'Cricket Championship of India' at a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India in July 1934. The first Ranji Trophy fixtures took place in the 1934-35 season.
Mumbai are the most successful state in Ranji's history, winning 42 titles, including 15 consecutive trophies between 1958 and 1973. Here is the Ranji Trophy winners list since the inaugural season.
Mumbai - The most successful team in the Ranji Trophy
Mumbai with the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy. Image | PTI
Mumbai are the most successful first-class team in Indian domestic cricket across different competitions. They have won the Ranji Trophy title a total of 42 times and also won the inaugural season of this prestigious tournament.
Mumbai won seven out of the first 20 seasons and then between the 1950s and 1970s, they won 20 out of 22 titles in the Ranji Trophy. Mumbai's latest title came in the 2023-24 season.
Karanataka players after winning their second consecutive Ranji Trophy title in 2014-15 season. Image | PTI
After Mumbai, Karnataka have won the most Ranji Trophies (8) followed by Delhi (7), Baroda (5), and Madhya Pradesh (5). Karnataka have been part of the tournament since the inaugural season. They had to wait until the 1973-74 edition to lift their maiden title. Their latest win came in the 2014-15 edition.
Delhi won their maiden Ranji title in 1978-79 and their most recent win came in the 2007-08 edition while Baroda made their first-class debut in 1937 and won their maiden title in 1942-43.
Madhya Pradesh have also won five titles after their debut in the 1941 season. They won their first Ranji title in 1945-46, defeating Baroda in the finals.
Vidarbha vs Kerala Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final Highlights: Vidarbha becomes the champions for third time
Read the Vidarbha vs Kerala Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final Highlights as Vidarbha claimed their third Ranji Trophy title after the historical season by Harsh Dubey.
Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's coverage of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25Final, set to be played from 26 February to 2 March 2025.
Vidarbha is set to take on Kerala, the maiden finalists, in the Final, which will take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
Kerala defeated Gujarat in the first semi-final of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 after securing a slander 2-run lead in the first innings, as the match was drawn.
On the other hand, Vidarbha posted a dominating 80-run victory over Mumbai in the second semi-final to join Kerala in the final.
Vidarbha, last season's runners-up, will leave no stone unturned to lift the cup this time, whereas Kerala will look to stun the opponent in their first-ever Ranji Final.
So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the Vidarbha vs Kerala Final updates at a single place here on Sportz Point. Keep refreshing the page for the all latest updates
LIVE Updates
Mar 2, 2025, 10:40 AM
Most Wickets in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Player
Wickets
HS Dubey (VIDAR)
69
Auqib Nabi (J + K)
44
SZ Mulani (MUM)
44
DA Jadeja (SAU)
40
Jalaj S Saxena (KER)
40
MV Pithiya (BRODA)
38
SA Desai (GUJ)
37
Nishunk Birla (CHD)
36
MB Murasingh (TPURA)
35
SN Thakur (MUM)
35
T Thyagarajan (HYD)
35
Mar 2, 2025, 10:37 AM
Most Runs In Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Player
Runs
YV Rathod (VIDAR)
960
SS Sharma (MP)
943
TD Agarwal (HYD)
934
KK Nair (VIDAR)
863
DV Malewar (VIDAR)
783
ASK Pandey (CGR)
744
AV Wadkar (VIDAR)
722
A Juyal (UP)
714
SJ Desai (CGR)
693
SP Khajuria (J + K)
679
Mar 2, 2025, 10:24 AM
Harsh Dubey - Player of the tournament
476 runs with the bat and a historic 69 wickets in the season for Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha. He wins the Player of the Tournament Award.
Mar 2, 2025, 10:23 AM
Kerala - The Runners-Up
Mar 2, 2025, 9:04 AM
It has been an emotional ride for Kerala
Emotional moment for Kerala!
Their head coach took the soil off the pitch on which they played their first-ever Ranji Trophy final.
Nalkande gets to fifty and here comes the handshake!
Mar 2, 2025, 8:33 AM
The lead now crosses 400!
It is all over now for sure. The lead now crosses 400!
Nalkande and Yash Thakur have also put up a good show with the bat for the last wicket.
Vidarbha 364/9 and leading by 401 runs
Mar 2, 2025, 7:13 AM
Can Kerala do something miraculous?
Welcome back from the break.
It will be interesting to see how Sachin Baby tries to set his field now. He has not been very proactive and waited for the Vidarbha team to make their mistakes.
But, with the game already out of their grasp, it will be interesting to how they go about their business.
Mar 2, 2025, 6:36 AM
Day 5, Lunch: Vidarbha lead by 351
The game is now nearly over as Vidarabha's lead goes past 350.
In the first session on Day 5, Vidarbha did not look to score that many runs but to play time.
Although they have lost three wickets doing that, they would be pretty happy to see where they are at currently.
Vidarbha 314/7 and leading by 351.
Mar 2, 2025, 5:34 AM
Sarwate dismisses Wadkar! | VID 283/7
Are we going to see anything special here?
The ball kept a tad low and Sarwate was on the money this time.
Wadkar goes after 25 off 108 balls.
Vidarbha leading by 320 runs.
Mar 2, 2025, 5:26 AM
Eden Tom gets Harsh Dubey
Around the stumps and at 138kmph the youngster was able to get the swing back into Harsh Dubey, who missed the line completely.
The ball thudded onto the front pad.
Dubey took DRS with the hope that it would go down the legside. But, it looked out from the first.
Vidarbha 279/6 and leading by 316 runs.
Mar 2, 2025, 4:56 AM
A record-breaking season!
Most hundreds across formats in a domestic season in India! (First-class+List A+T20)
Karun Nair with 9 tons across formats in the 2024-25 season has now equalled the record of VVS Laxman's 1999-00 season.
Nair, on 135, tried to step out against Aditya Sarwate and the ball turned just enough to beat the bat.
Mohammed Azharuddeen did the rest to dismiss him.
Vidarbha 261/5 and leading by 298 runs.
Mar 2, 2025, 4:31 AM
DAY 5!
Welcome to Day 5, where history will be made. Vidarbha are ahead to become champions for the third time while Kerala will try to fight till the last ball for their maiden title.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you all the updates of the final day of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final.
Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage.
Mar 1, 2025, 11:32 AM
Day 4 Stumps
Slip, short leg and silly point in place now. Sarwate maintaining the legstump line to try and get one to turn viciously.
Four!! Karun steps down the track and lofts one past the bowler for four. A maiden from Jalaj to finish the day.
Vidarbha extend the lead to 286 at the end of day four.
VID 249/4.
Mar 1, 2025, 11:14 AM
Last half hour of play left
Wadkar and Karun defend their way through the last half hour of play. Only four runs scored in the last four overs.
VID 243/4.
Mar 1, 2025, 11:02 AM
VID 239/4
Wadkar almost hands a catch to mid off with a leading edge off his first ball.
Just a single of Jalaj’s over.
Mar 1, 2025, 11:01 AM
Yash Rathod departs
Sarwate gets one to turn in to the left-hander after pitching outside off.
Rathod pinned in front on the backfoot. Umpire says no but Kerala overturns the decision with a review.
Mar 1, 2025, 10:45 AM
Vidarbha’s lead moves past 270
A couple of twos in Chandran’s next. Vidarbha’s lead moves past 270.
The two batters at the crease look like they will bat all day tomorrow as well. Hardly anything that has troubled them so far.
VID 235/3.
Mar 1, 2025, 10:41 AM
VID 229/3
Three singles of Jalaj’s next. Four!! Full outside offstump from Chandran, Karun sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.
Mar 1, 2025, 10:25 AM
VID 219/3
Jalaj returns, concedes just a single off his over. Karun brings out a fine paddle sweep against Sarwate, picks up two runs.
Pushes a full ball to long off to retain strike.
Mar 1, 2025, 10:24 AM
VID 214/3
Rathod skips down the track against Chandran, and whips one to deep cover for a single.
Sarwate gets one to turn past Karun’s front foot defence.
Mar 1, 2025, 10:14 AM
VID 212/3
Four!! Rathod brings out the sweep against Chandran, finds the gap through square leg.
Six runs from the over. Sarwate concedes just a single off his over.
Mar 1, 2025, 9:05 AM
Hundred for Karun Nair
Karun Nair has made a huge statement ahead of the England Test tour, Vidarbha under big trouble in second innings and then Karun stands tall & scored a terrific Hundred in the final.
VID 189/2.
Mar 1, 2025, 9:01 AM
Saxena replaces Chandran
Saxena back into the attack, replacing Chandran. Malewar brings out the sweep to get a single to deep fine.
An excellent diving effort at deep fine prevents a boundary after Karun sweeps a full ball fine.
VID 187/2.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:38 AM
Akshay replaces Sarwate
Akshay Chandran has been introduced in place of Sarwate. Karun, Danish manage to eke out eight runs from the next two overs without much effort.
VID 171/2.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:28 AM
200-run lead for Vidarbha
Three from Jalaj’s next.
Vidarbha’s lead has now swelled to 200.
VID 163/2.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:27 AM
150 partnership comes for VID
Karun comes down the track against Sarwate, lofts it right over mid on for a six.
Comes down the track again, this time lofts it over mid off and clears the fence again.
150 partnership up between the two. Three more added to the tally as Karun turns one fine past the keeper.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:25 AM
Jalaj comes after drinks break
Jalaj from the other end after the drinks break. Quick off-spinner on the stumps, defended off the backfoot.
Turn again, beats the batter and the keeper and runs away for two byes. Outside off, pushed to mid off for a couple.
VID 144/2.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:24 AM
Sarwate into the attack
Maiden over but harmless for the batters.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:15 AM
Vidarbha 139/2 in 46 overs
Eden returns. Full down the leg side, beats the keeper’s dive but he manages to get a finger on it and run a bye.
Malewar picks up a double to deepmidwicket. Four!! Full outside off, driven through mid off for a boundary. Five runs off the Jalaj over.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:02 AM
Vidarbha 126/2 in 44 overs
Eden back into the attack. Four singles from the over. Malewar brings up his fifty with a backfoot push to cover.
165-run lead for Vidarbha.
Mar 1, 2025, 8:00 AM
150-run lead for Vidarbha
Malewar guides a back-of-a-length ball to third man to bring up the 150-run lead for Vidarbha.
Nidheesh gets his second warning for tresspassing. Both of Kerala’s frontline pacers now one more instance away from being barred from bowling.
Jalaj in from the other end. Turn and bounce, clips Malewar’s pads but flies past leg slip for a single.
Four!! Straighter one, takes the outside edge but runs past Sachin at slip to the fence.
Vidarbha 119/2 in 42 overs.
Mar 1, 2025, 6:41 AM
Day 4 Lunch: Vidarbha leading by 127 runs
It started as Kerala's session but ended as Vidarbha's one.
A few chances, one huge missed opportunity and Kerala have not shown the intensity against Nair and Malewar, they had shown against the openers.
Nair is unbeaten on 42 and Malewar is not out on 38.
Vidarbha 90/2 and leading by 127 runs.
Mar 1, 2025, 5:34 AM
Akshay Chandran drops Nair on 31!
Did they just drop the Ranji Trophy?
Akshay Chandran at the first slip drops a sitter.
Eden Tom with some pace and bounce surprised Karun Nair. From the short of good length, the ball bounced a bit higher and caught Nair's gloves.
The ball popped up in the air and Chandran had a very easy catch to grab.
Nair survives and the partnership for the third wicket now moves to 50.
Vidarbha 57/2.
Mar 1, 2025, 5:25 AM
Nair doing what Nair does | Vidarbha 47/2
Karun Nair is doing what he has done throughout his career, saving teams from trouble.
He has thrown the kitchen sink at everything away from his body. Meantime, he has also shown respect to balls bowled around off-stump.
Eden Tom has shown great pace while the ball now has started to keep a tad low as well.
Nair is batting on 30 from 54 balls and Vidarbha are now leading by 84 runs.
Mar 1, 2025, 4:41 AM
Two early wickets for Kerala | VID 17/2
Well, well, well!
As we were saying Kerala will be looking for early wickets and they have got that.
Jalaj Saxena first cleaned up Parth Rekhade and a stunning catch from Azharuddeen off Nidheesh sent Dhruv Shorey back to the pavilion.
But, they now will have to break the partnership of Malewar and Nair, who bailed out Vidarbha in the first inning.
Vidarbha 17/2 and leading by 52 runs.
Mar 1, 2025, 3:47 AM
Day 4!
Hello and Good morning to everyone!
This is Koushik Biswas, who will start the day with early updates for you. Later on, my colleague Payal Debnath will bring you updates on the match.
Vidarbha got the lead last evening and they will start batting. They would hope to carry the momentum. Meantime, for Kerala, this is now a do-or-die situation.
To win their maiden Ranji Ttitle they will now have to bowl Vidarbha out quickly and then chasse down the total in the second inning.
So, we are in for some cracking contest.
Feb 28, 2025, 11:28 AM
Kerala 342 all-out in the first inning
From 324/6 to 342 to all-out.
Kerala would be disappointed not to get the lead in the first inning. Parth Rekhade clean-bowled Eden Tom as the tailender went for a big shot.
Parth Rekhade finished with three wickets in the first inning, and so did Harsh Dubey.
Vidarbha have a 37-run lead in the first inning.
Feb 28, 2025, 11:17 AM
Into the history book!
Feb 28, 2025, 11:14 AM
Harsh Dubey gets his historic 69th wicket | Kerala 338/9
History!
Harsh Dubey gets his historic 69th wicket and becomes the bowler with the most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season.
MD Nidheesh was trapped in the front of the wicket by the left-arm spinner. The DRS agreed with the on-field umpire's decision.
Kerala 338/9, trailing by 41 runs.
Feb 28, 2025, 10:59 AM
Parth Rekhade gets Jalaj | Kerala 337/8
The break does the trick for Vidarbha.
Captain Akshay Wadkar was injured and he needed treatment. The break helped them to get back in the game.
Jalaj went for a sweep and the ball went through him to hit the timber.
Kerala 337/8 and trailing by 42 runs.
Feb 28, 2025, 10:55 AM
Jalaj and Eden fighting for Kerala | KER 337/7
After the dismissal of Sachin Baby, Jalaj Saxena and Eden Tom have shown resilience against Harsh Dubey and Parth Rekhade.
Although the runs have dried up, they have been tight defensively. A few close calls came but, Jalaj has survived.
Kerala 337/7 and trailing by 42 runs.
Feb 28, 2025, 10:11 AM
Baby gets out on 98 | KER 324/7
What has he done?
On 98, on his 100th first-class match, with an open field, Sachin Baby went down on his knees and tried a big shot to reach his ton.
Rekhade's ball spun a bit, and he only managed a top edge to deep mid-wicket where Karun Nair took an easy catch.
It is a shame that he could not reach the landmark after so much toil.
Kerala 324/7 and trailing by 55 runs.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, SACHIN BABY?
On 98, Sachin Baby went down on his knees and tried a big shot. He was caught in the deep midwicket by Karun Nair off Rekhade.
Edge and goes to the third man but Jalaj Saxena won't mind.
Kerala crossed 300 and they are trailing by 79 runs.
Feb 28, 2025, 9:02 AM
Darshan Nalkande gets Mohammed Azharuddeen!
This time the DRS could not save him.
Pitched outside off and Mohammed Azharuddeen went for the flick and missed the ball completely.
He went after 34 off 59 balls.
Kerala 278/6
Feb 28, 2025, 8:12 AM
DRS saves Mohammed Azharuddeen | KER 250/5
Another huge decision. Another massive DRS.
DRS saves Mohammed Azharuddeen.
Again it was Parth Rekhade, whose ball came in after pitching and then went with the angle against the right-hander. The on-field umpire gave it out and after a hesitation, Azharuddeen took the DRS.
In the replay, we saw the ball was completely missing the stump. Relief for Kerala.
Kerala 250/5. Baby 62* and Azharuddeen 19*.
Feb 28, 2025, 7:33 AM
Baby survives with the help of DRS | KER 234/5
It is massive for Kerala and their fans.
Sachin Baby survives. Parth Rekhade from around the wicket to the left-hander pitched in the middle and spun back sharp to hit the pad.
It was given out on the field. Sachin took the DRS right away.
In the replay, we saw a faint edge from the bat onto the pad. It was very close. Kerala captain survived.
Kerala 234/5.
Feb 28, 2025, 7:12 AM
Dubey struck right before the lunch | KER 219/5
Harsh Dubey did the magic with the ball again.
The ball came back sharp from offside and hit the front pad of Salman Nizar.
Anil Chaudhary gave it out and Nizar did not waste any time to take the DRS.
The review revealed that it was hitting the stumps. Kerala lost their fifth wicket and also the DRS.
Mohammed Azharuddeen joins Baby post-lunch.
Feb 28, 2025, 6:45 AM
Sachin Baby scores a beautiful fifty
The Kerala captain leads from the front as he reaches his fifty!
At lunch on Day 3, Kerala 219/5. Sachin Baby is unbeaten on 52 from 109 balls.
They are trailing by 160 runs.
Image | PTI
Feb 28, 2025, 6:04 AM
Kerala cross 200!
Salman Nizar has been proactive since coming to the crease. Sachin Baby meantime has been able to rotate the strike as well.
Kerala now cross 200 and they trail by 179 runs in the first inning.
Baby is batting on 39 while Nizar is unbeaten on 15.
Feb 28, 2025, 5:35 AM
Dubey gets his 67th wicket | KER 170/4
Harsh Dubey does the job for Vidarbha again.
He flights it high and the ball dipped in front of Sarvate. It bounced high enough to hit the splice of the bat and it pooped in the air for an easy catch to Malewar.
Dubey needs two more to break the record for most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season.
Sarvate goes for 79.
Salman Nizar comes to the crease for Kerala.
Kerala 170/4.
Feb 28, 2025, 5:12 AM
HUGE MISS!
Danish Malewar drops Sarvate on 77. Brilliant over from Harsh Dubey, who has been able to get the edge twice in the over. However, in the last ball of the over, Malewar was not able to grab the edge.
Kerala 165/3
Feb 28, 2025, 4:58 AM
First hour goes to Kerala | KER 157/3
The game started at 9.20 in the morning and since then it has been all Kerala. They have been excellent with the bat with two of the most senior players out there for them.
Aditya Sarvate continued his great touch from last night while Sachin Baby, who is playing his 100th first-class concentrated well as well.
They have now put up a fifty stand between them and Kerala have not lost any wicket in the first hour of Day 3.
Feb 28, 2025, 3:13 AM
Welcome to Day 3
Hello everyone. Good morning. This is Koushik Biswas with the early updates of the Day 3 of Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala.
As we all know Day 3 is the moving day of any five-day game. Kerala have fought back hard and he onus will be on them to make things happen.
As of now, it looks like the game might be decided in the first inning itself.
Let's see what happens.
Feb 27, 2025, 11:33 AM
Day 2 Stumps
Akshay Karnewar comes in for his first over of the game.
Sachin cuts a short ball through point for a single on the last ball.
Feb 27, 2025, 11:32 AM
Kerala 130/3 in 38 overs
Four!! A late, late cut from Sarwate against Rekhade, beats the slip fielder and short third and gets to the boundary.
Four!! Full outside off, Sarwate opens his wrist and guides it past gully to the fence for four.
Nachiket Bhute replaces Thakur. Sachin flicks a back-of-length ball to deep fine for a single, legbyes given.
Feb 27, 2025, 11:25 AM
Kerala 117/3 in 34 overs
Outside edge and four!! Sachin gets the rub of the green against Harsh Dubey, the ball goes between keeper and slip and runs away. Seven from the over.
Short ball from Thakur, Sarwate puts his hands up and defends. Cops a hit on the gloves.
Feb 27, 2025, 10:48 AM
Kerala brings up its 100
Harsh continues. Two singles from the over. Thakur with his fifth over, full on leg stump, appeals for lbw but there was bat involved. A single brings up Sarwate’s fifty!
Kerala also brings up its 100 after another Sarwate single to deep square.
Feb 27, 2025, 10:23 AM
Kerala 89/2 in 26 overs
Nalkande continues. Four!! Overpitched outside off, driven through extra cover for a boundary.
Four!! Back of a length outside off, this time he rocks back and punches it through point for another four. Textbook batting from Sarwate.
Feb 27, 2025, 9:48 AM
Kerala 73/2 in 19 overs.
Good running between the wickets added three runs to the scorecard for Kerala in the 19th over.
Sarvate batting steadily on 36* off 57.
Feb 27, 2025, 9:48 AM
50-run partnership between Imran and Sarwate
Sarwate rock solid in defence, prods fully forward to smother the turn. Maiden over.
Rekhade from the other end. Imran pushes one to deep point for a couple.
A forward press and another run to point for the southpaw. Four!! Slightly down leg, Sarwate helps it down leg with a sweep through fine leg.
The 21-year-old batter reaches the 150-run mark, currently bating on 152* off 273.
Vidarbha 280/4 in 90 overs.
Feb 27, 2025, 4:16 AM
Welcome to Day 2!
Feb 26, 2025, 11:46 AM
Day 1 Stumps
Big appeals for lbw! Nidheesh very interested but Sachin doesn’t look convinced.
Good call from the captain. Flicks the next one to deep fine for a single. Four!! Back of a length, Danish punches through cover for a boundary.
Jalaj into the attack. Yash Thakur whips one to midwicket for a couple. A single off the last ball of the day.
Vidarbha finishes on 254/4 in 86 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 11:29 AM
12 mins of play left today
Yash Thakur comes in at 6. Nidheesh back into the attack.
Four byes to start Eden’s over. Full ball on the stumps, Danish drives through the legside for a double.
Vidarbha 246/4 in 84 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 11:22 AM
Karun Nair run out
Kerala opts against taking the new ball. Two singles from the over. Eden into the attack.
WICKET!! Kerala finally have the breakthrough! A direct hit from Rohan Kunnummal sends Karun back to the dugout.
The misfield at slip opened up an opportunity for a run but Danish sends his experienced partner back.
Vidarbha 239/4 in 82 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 11:09 AM
Vidarbha 237/3 in 80 overs
Sarwate into the attack. Two runs from the over. Chandran continues. Four!! Full outside off, Karun brings out the sweep shot to bring a boundary.
Four!! Slightly shorter, plays a late cut through third man for a boundary.
Feb 26, 2025, 11:06 AM
Vidarbha 223/3 in 76 overs
The mid off fielder gets a hand to it but Karun’s drive races to the fence for four.
An overthrow gives Vidarbha a single off Akshay’s over.
Feb 26, 2025, 10:50 AM
Vidarbha 218/3 in 74 overs
Basil continues. Just a single from the over. Chandran with his fourth over. Just a single from his over.
Feb 26, 2025, 10:38 AM
Vidarbha 216/3 in 72 overs
Basil NP into the attack. Length ball on middle stump, flicked wide of mid-on for a comfortable two.
Chandran continues. Three singles from the over.
Feb 26, 2025, 10:36 AM
Huge appeal for lbw
Huge appeal for lbw from Eden. Umpire says no and Sachin Baby opts not to take the review. Was going down leg.
Chandran continues. Four!! Danish whips one past short midwicket and finds the boundary.
Vidarbha 210/3 in 70 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 10:09 AM
Vidarbha 198/3 in 66 overs
Eden returns to the attack. Karun brings out a controlled pull to deep midwicket for a single. Eden manages to get one to rap the pad on the way to deep third, but the ball was pitching down leg comfortably.
Jalaj continues. Danish flicks one to deep square for a single. Four!! A touch short, Karun rocks onto his back foot and punches one through point for a boundary.
Vidarbha started the second session in the same manner as they ended the first session.
Steady and compact batting from the host side.
Feb 26, 2025, 8:05 AM
Hundred-run partnership comes up!
Facing 190 deliveries, Danish Malewar (70* off 129) and Karun Nair (35* off 82) have added 100 runs in partnership to the scorecard.
The two batters have steadied the ship for Vidarbha!
Vidarbha 126/3 in 44.5 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 7:58 AM
Vidarbha 123/3 in 43 overs.
Karun Nair and Danish Malewar have taken Vidarbha back in the business.
Suffering early blows, the Vidarbha team are now looking to score a huge total.
Feb 26, 2025, 7:56 AM
Danish with a fighting fifty
Danish Malewar made a huge half-century against the fierece Kerala bowlers. He reached 51 in 104 deliveries.
Currently, the Vidarbha batter is batting on 68* off 110 balls.
Feb 26, 2025, 7:31 AM
Vidarbha 95/3 in 36 overs
Danish Malewar is currently batting on 45* off 101, closing in on his personal half-century.
Feb 26, 2025, 7:29 AM
Second session begins
Feb 26, 2025, 6:39 AM
Ranji Trophy Final | First session ends
Early blows from Kerala's bowling attack picked up three Vidarbha wickets, whereas Karun Nair and Danish Malewar are putting up a resistance. They combined for a 50-run partnership, leading Vidarbha to a steady inning.
Vidarbha are now eyeing to get the momentum back, as Karun Nair and Danish Malewar are looking for a steady partnership.
Feb 26, 2025, 5:16 AM
Vidarbha 28/3 in 15 overs
Danish Malewar 6* (26) and Karun Nair 4* (7) are batting for Vidarbha.
15 overs are up as Vidarbha is at 28/3.
Feb 26, 2025, 5:06 AM
Eden dismisses Dhruv Shorey!
Eden delivered a beautiful good-length ball as Shorey nicked it to the edge, as Azharuddeen takes a briliant catch.
Shorey bows out on 16 (35).
Karun Nair is out at 5.
Vidarbha 24/3 in 13 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:54 AM
Vidrabha 22/2 in 10 overs.
Dhruv Shorery 14* (24) and Danish Malewar 6* (14) are batting for Vidarbha.
Vidarbha 22/2 in 10 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:47 AM
Kerala lose a review
There was a strong lbw appeal from Nidheesh as he seemed to pick up Shorey, but the DRS sticks to the not out decision by the umpire.
Vidarbha 22/2 in 8.2 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:40 AM
Vidarbha 11/2 in 7 overs
Four out of four maidens from Nidheesh, while he picked up both wickets of Vidarbha.
Vidarbha 11/2 in 7 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:38 AM
Nalkande gone!
Vidarbha lose their second wicket!
Nidheesh with a short ball delivery as Nalkande hit it high, and Basil takes an easy catch deep in the mid-wicket.
Nalkande (1 off 21) goes back to the pavilion as Danish Malewar is at 4.
Vidarbha 11/2 in 6.3 overs.
(Image Credit | Sportstar)
Feb 26, 2025, 4:29 AM
Nidheesh, three out of three!
Nidheesh has put up three maidens out of the three overs he has bowled so far.
Brilliant from the Kerala pacer.
Vidarbha 7/1 in 5 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:25 AM
Vidarbha 7/1 in 4 overs.
Seeven runs from Eden in his second over, as Vidarbha are on 7/1 in 4 overs.
Dhruv Shorey 5* (11) and Nalkande 1* (12) are batting.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:22 AM
Boundary from Dhruv
Dhruv Shorey opens Vidarbha's account with a boundary in the first ball of the fourth over, following three maidens.
Vidarbha 5/1 in 3.1 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:15 AM
Maiden from Eden
Kerala put up two consecutive maidens in the first two overs of the day.
Eden Apple Tom delivers another maiden in the second over after Nidheesh in the first.
Vidarbha 0/1 in 2 overs.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:11 AM
Vidarbha 0/1 in 1 over.
Great start from Kerala and Nidheesh, Vidarbha lose Rekhade early.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:07 AM
Rekhade is gone!
Kerala brings a huge blow on Vidarbha in the second ball of Day 1, as Parth Rekhade goes back to the pavilion on duck (0 off 2). Nidheesh picks up the wicket with an LBW and a successful DRS review!
Darshan Nalkande has come up to bat at third.
Feb 26, 2025, 4:05 AM
Playing Eleven | Kerala
Sachin Baby (C), Rohan Kunnummal, Akshay Chandran, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Edhen Apple Tom, Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate, Ahammed Imran, Nidheesh MD, Basil NP.
Harsh Dubey has already taken 66 wickets in 2024-25 season. Image | PTI
Ranji Trophy, the Premier Division Tournament in Indian domestic cricket has given future stars of Indian cricket over the years. Domestic players prove themselves in the Ranji Trophy as best in the country, before announcing themselves on the world stage.
Today, we will discuss the players who have taken the most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season to cement their place in the history of Indian domestic cricket. Ashutosh Aman of Bihar has the record for most wickets taken in a single Ranji season currently.
Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season
10. Sai Kishore | 53 wickets
Image | PTI
Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner Sai Kishore took 53 wickets in a single season in 2023-24 and listed himself in the record books. He became the first Tamil Nadu bowler to take more than fifty wickets in a Ranji Season.
Sai Kishore took a total of 53 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 18.52 including 3 five-wicket hauls. Despite his heroics with the ball, Tamil Nadu fell short against Mumbai in the semi-finals that season.
Playing for Meghalaya, left-arm spinner Gurinder Singh took 53 wickets in just 8 matches to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker of the 2018/19 Ranji Trophy season. Gurinder created the record in the plate group of the tournament.
Gurinder's splendid season with the ball included 5 five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul in a match as well. The spin-bowling all-rounder started his career with Tripura and played for Punjab, Meghalaya and Chandigarh as well.
8. Aditya Sarwate | 55 wickets
Image | PTI
Aditya Sarwate, the left-arm spinner from Vidarbha listed himself among the bowlers with the most wickets in a single season in 2018/19 when he picked up 55 wickets in 11 matches.
Sarwate at that time was the only Vidarbha bowler to pick up more than 50 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season. He picked up 11 wickets in the 2018/19 Ranji Trophy final as Vidarbha defeated Saurashtra to become the sixth team in history to defend a Ranji Trophy title.
Another left-arm in the list, Sanjay Yadav took 55 wickets in the 2019/20 season playing for Meghalaya in the plate group. Though Meghalaya failed to reach the knock-out stage of the tournament, Sanjay made a name for himself with five 5-wicket hauls and 3 ten-wicket hauls in the season.
6. Shahbaz Nadeem | 56 wickets
Image | Sunny Shinde.
Shahbaz Nadeem is one of the renowned names in Indian domestic cricket's history with 542 first-class wickets to his name. Playing for his state Jharkhand, Nadeem picked up 56 wickets in 10 games in the 2016/17 season at an average of 25.60.
The left-arm spinner's incredible season with the ball included four 5-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket hauls in a match. Despite his incredible season, Jharkhand could not reach the final as Jasprit Bumrah's 6-wicket haul helped Gujarat defeat them in the semis.
Nadeem himself also had taken a five-wicket haul in the semi-final.
Saurashtra's Dharmendrasinh Jadeja outshined everyone with a record-breaking 59 wickets in the 2018-19 Ranji trophy season. He then was the highest wicket-taker for Saurashtra in a single season of Ranji Trophy, which was later broken by Jaydev Unadkat.
In 11 games that season Jadeja averaged 27.16 and took five 5-wicket hauls including one 10-wicket haul in a match. Despite Jadeja's six-wicket haul, Saurashtra lost the final at the hands of Vidarbha.
4. Kanwaljit Singh | 59 wickets
Hyderabad's off-spinner Kanwaljit Singh had set the record for most wickets in a Ranji Trophy season in 1999/00 season which lasted till 2018-19 when Ashutosh Aman of Bihar broke that record.
Kanwaljit took 59 wickets in 11 matches to set the record. He averaged 24.06 with the ball and had taken 4 five-wicket hauls alongside two 10-wicket hauls. The off-spinner retired after taking 369 first-class wickets and was one of the unluckiest off-spinners to not have played for India during his era.
3. Harsh Dubey | 66*
Image | PTI
Harsh Dubey, the Vidarbha all-rounder has already listed himself among the greats of Indian domestic cricket only in his third season. The left-arm spinner has already taken 66 wickets in the 2024-25 season and will have a chance to break the overall record in the ongoing final between Kerala and Vidarbha.
In 10 matches till now Dubey has taken 66 wickets at an average of 16.81. His 7 five-wicket haul in his season is also the joint-highest in Elite group history. Dubey also has taken two 10-wicket hauls this season.
2. Jaydev Unadkat | 67
Image | Jaydev Bhatnagar.
Jaydev Unadkat in the 2019-20 season broke multiple records as he led Saurasthra to their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The left-arm seamer became the first and still only pacer to take more than 60 wickets in a Ranji Trophy season.
Not only that in that record breaking season he became the bowler to take most wickets in a Ranji season in elite groups. Undakat took 67 wickets in 11 games at an average of 13.23. His 7 five-wicket hauls is still a record in elite group. He also took 3 ten-wicket hauls that season.
1. Ashutosh Aman | 68 wickets
Image | PTI
Bihar's Ashutosh Aman still holds the record for most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season, which he achieved in 2018/19 season.
The left-arm spinner took 68 wickets in just 8 plate group games at an incredible average of 6.48 runs per wicket. Aman took 9 five-wicket hauls that season, which is also a Ranji Trophy record. His five 10-wicket haul is also a record in Indian domestic cricket.
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