kerala cricket team vs gujarat cricket team timeline

The Ranji Trophy 2024–25 semi-final between Kerala and Gujarat was a classic showcase of first-class cricket at its finest. Held from 17th to 21st February 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this five-day contest brought together two highly competitive sides — Kerala, led by Sachin Baby, and defending champions Gujarat, captained by Chirag Pathak with guidance from coach Parthiv Patel. Both teams had worked hard through the league stage to reach this point, and the match promised a thrilling battle of skill, patience, and endurance.

Kerala had topped their group, winning four out of eight league matches and drawing three, finishing with 32 points. They were known for a balanced side, combining resilient batsmen with disciplined bowlers. Their remarkable chase of 450 against Mumbai in the group stages highlighted their temperament and ability to handle pressure. Gujarat, on the other hand, had finished second in their group with 28 points, boasting explosive batsmen like Priyank Panchal and Urvil Patel, supported by spin wizard Siddharth Desai. Their group stage wins, including a key victory over Baroda, demonstrated their depth in both batting and bowling.

Day 1: Kerala’s Steady Start

Kerala won the toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that promised runs. Openers Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran started cautiously, building the foundation with patience. Gujarat’s pace attack, spearheaded by Arzan Nagwaswalla and Darshan Nalkande, tried to make early inroads but were largely contained. At lunch, Kerala were 50/0, and by stumps, they reached 150/2. Mohammed Azharuddeen and Sachin Baby provided stability, ensuring a steady platform. The first day was all about endurance, patience, and tactical play, with a classic first-class cricket tempo.

Day 2: Azharuddeen’s Masterclass

The second day saw Kerala losing a couple of early wickets, including Baby for 45 and Varun Nayanar for 12, leaving the score at 200/4. Then Mohammed Azharuddeen turned the game around with a brilliant display of batting. Combining elegance and aggression, he raced to his century before lunch, delighting the Ahmedabad crowd. Partnering with veteran Jalaj Saxena, he added a crucial 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Kerala ended the day at 418/7, with Azharuddeen unbeaten on 149. His blend of patience and attacking shots made him the hero of the day, showcasing the art of first-class batting.

Kerala’s First Innings Total

Kerala’s innings eventually ended at 457 all out after 190.4 overs. Contributions came from multiple batsmen, but the standout was Azharuddeen’s 177* which anchored the innings. The team posted a formidable total, putting Gujarat under significant pressure. Kerala’s bowlers would soon be called upon to defend this lead.

Day 3: Gujarat’s Response and Panchal’s Brilliance

Gujarat began their first innings with openers Priyank Panchal and Umang Umang. Umang was dismissed early for 15, but Panchal anchored the innings beautifully. He displayed textbook technique against spin and precision against pace, scoring 117* by stumps. Partnering with the young Manan Hingrajia, Panchal constructed a vital partnership, ensuring Gujarat remained in contention. By the end of day three, Gujarat were 222/1, trailing Kerala by 235 runs but comfortably positioned thanks to Panchal’s resilience.

Day 4: Kerala Strikes Back

On the fourth day, Kerala made breakthroughs early. Panchal was dismissed for 120, breaking Gujarat’s backbone. Bowlers Aditya Sarwate, Jalaj Saxena, and Basil NP regularly struck, claiming key wickets and keeping Gujarat under pressure. Despite efforts from Siddharth Desai (70) and Chirag Pathak (45), Gujarat’s innings ended at 373/7. The difference between the teams narrowed to just 84 runs, leaving the match finely poised for the final day. Kerala’s disciplined bowling and fielding highlighted their strategic approach and mental toughness.

Day 5: Final Day Drama

The final day saw Gujarat chasing a target of 458 runs. With wickets falling steadily, the chase never gained momentum. Kerala’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, and despite Panchal’s efforts, Gujarat ended at 250/8 in 80 overs. The match was drawn, but Kerala advanced to the final based on the first-innings lead. This outcome reflected both teams’ strengths: Kerala’s resilience and tactical play, and Gujarat’s fighting spirit despite falling short.

Key Performers

• Mohammed Azharuddeen (Kerala): 177* in the first innings, demonstrating the perfect mix of patience and attacking intent.
• Priyank Panchal (Gujarat): 120 and 60 across innings, a pillar of consistency under pressure.
• Aditya Sarwate (Kerala): Took 3/85 in the first innings, pivotal in breaking partnerships.
• Basil NP (Kerala): Seam movement and key wickets, showcasing disciplined first-class bowling.

Significance of the Match

This semi-final was more than a contest of runs and wickets. It showcased patience, strategy, and mental resilience, core values of first-class cricket. Kerala, often considered underdogs in Indian domestic cricket, demonstrated that meticulous planning, teamwork, and individual brilliance could secure a place in the final. Gujarat, despite drawing, displayed depth and fighting spirit, ensuring the match was exciting for fans and analysts alike.

Conclusion

The Kerala vs Gujarat semi-final was a testament to the beauty of first-class cricket. From Azharuddeen’s masterful innings to Panchal’s dogged resilience, every day offered memorable moments. Kerala progressed to the final, but both teams earned the admiration of fans through skill, sportsmanship, and determination. The match reminded cricket enthusiasts that in this game, each ball holds a story, and every moment is an opportunity for greatness. While the result was technically a draw, the narrative and performances made it a defining encounter of the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season.