Kerala missed out on an opportunity to win their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The final clash against Vidarbha ended in a draw and Akshay Wadkar-led side won on the basis of first innings lead. Kerala captain Sachin Baby blamed his ill-timed slog sweep for hampering Kerala's momentum as after his wicket, the team conceded a 27-run lead and then Karun Nair's century denied them a win.
"It's a big final, and me and my team are very proud to have played this prestigious final. Big congrats to Vidarbha team. We have been playing very good cricket. Lots of good performances, and I'm proud to lead this team. Whoever makes the lesser mistakes has the upper hand. As the leader, I'll take the blame - my shot changed the momentum of the game. I wanted to be there for the team, and we were six down. I wanted to get the lead. If we got a lead, it should have been hundred-plus," Baby said in the post-match presentation.
Baby departed after scoring 98 runs. Before the slog sweep against Parth Rekhade, he played a patient knock. He faced 235 deliveries and hit 10 fours. After his wicket, Vidarbha could post 18 more runs on the board. The 36-year-old vowed to beat Vidarbha the next time he goes up against them in knockouts.
"Kerala Cricket Association have put in a lot of effort. This is our first final in all three formats. Next time, guys [Vidarbha], we'll beat you! We'll give you a tougher time!" he added.
Baby was Kerala's third-highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy. He scored 516 runs from 15 innings at an average of 36.85 including five half-centuries. His highest score of 98 in the season came in the final.
Malewar, Nair take the game away
Earlier, Baby won the toss and opted to bowl first. Danish Malewar's 153-run knock supported by Nair's 86 as Vidarbha posted 379 on the board. In reply, half-centuries from Aditya Sarwate and Baby helped Kerala post 342. In Vidarbha's second innings, it was role reversals for Malewar and Nair. Malewar scored a half-century whereas Nair scored 135. Darshan Nalkande scored an unbeaten half-century as Vidarabha posted 375/9 on the board.
