It is always a champion-like feeling when your team defeats domestic giants like Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy match. When it comes to a knockout stage, the moment becomes even bigger, and that is exactly what Vidarbha achieved. The two-time champions convincingly thumped 42-time Ranji Trophy winners Mumbai by an 80-run margin, showcasing clear dominance over a star-studded lineup.
Although Shardul Thakur put up a strong fight and consistently performed well for Mumbai this season, it was not enough. In the end, a valiant Vidarbha secured the victory. With this win, they also avenged their previous loss, as Mumbai had knocked them out in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy semi-finals by 169 runs.
This time, however, it is all about Akshay Wadkar-led Vidarbha, who will now face Kerala in the final. Kerala made history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final in 74 years. They did not technically defeat Gujarat in the semi-final, but a dramatic first-innings lead secured their place in the summit clash. Now, they are set to play the final for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Ranji Trophy final details
Teams: Vidarbha vs Kerala
Final Dates: February 26 to March 2, 2025
Kerala vs Vidarbha in FC
| Team 1 | Team 2 | Winner | Margin | Ground |
| Vidarbha | Kerala | Drawn | – | Nagpur |
| Kerala | Vidarbha | Vidarbha | Inns & 11 runs | Wayanad |
| Kerala | Vidarbha | Vidarbha | 412 runs | Surat |
| Vidarbha | Kerala | Drawn | – | Nagpur |
| Kerala | Vidarbha | Drawn | – | Malappuram |
| Vidarbha | Kerala | Kerala | 150 runs | Nagpur |
| Kerala | Vidarbha | Drawn | – | Palakkad |
| Vidarbha | Kerala | Kerala | 8 wickets | Nagpur |
We have a reasonably good sample size, as Kerala and Vidarbha have faced each other multiple times in the Ranji Trophy, with results varying quite clearly. Out of the eight recorded matches, Vidarbha has emerged victorious in two encounters, winning by an innings and 11 runs in 2019 and by a massive 412 runs in 2017. Kerala, on the other hand, has also secured two wins, defeating Vidarbha by 150 runs in 2007 and by eight wickets in 2002. The remaining four matches, played in 2020, 2011, 2010, and 2006, ended in draws.
It will be highly interesting to see who will emerge as the winner. Will the two-time champions Vidarbha once again showcase their magic, or is it time for Kerala to show their class?
Recent Performance
Kerala
| Date | Stage | Opponent | Result | Margin |
| Feb 17, 2025 | 1st Semi-final | Gujarat | Match drawn | (Kerala advanced on 1st innings) |
| Feb 08, 2025 | 1st Quarter-final | J&K | Match drawn | (Kerala advanced on 1st innings) |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Elite, Group C | Bihar | Won | By an innings and 169 runs |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Elite, Group C | M. Pradesh | Match drawn | – |
| Nov 13, 2024 | Elite, Group C | Haryana | Match drawn | – |
Vidarbha
| Date | Stage | Opponent | Result | Margin |
| Feb 17, 2025 | 2nd Semi-final | Mumbai | Won | By 80 runs |
| Feb 08, 2025 | 2nd Quarter-final | Tamil Nadu | Won | By 198 runs |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Elite, Group B | Hyderabad | Won | By 58 runs |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Elite, Group B | Rajasthan | Won | By 221 runs |
| Nov 13, 2024 | Elite, Group B | Gujarat | Match drawn | – |
The post Which teams have qualified for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final? appeared first on Inside Sport India.