Kerala team receives rousing welcome after commendable Ranji Trophy campaign

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala team received a rousing welcome when they landed at Thiruvananthapuram airport on Monday night, following a commendable pursuit in this year’s Ranji Trophy. Fans, officials, and well-wishers gathered to applaud the squad, which defied expectations to reach the final.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) arranged a chartered flight for the team’s journey back. Many greeted the players at the airport with cheers and selfies, celebrating the team’s historic achievement.

Kerala captain Sachin Baby shared his feelings about the moment, calling it a mix of joy and slight disappointment. "We feel sad about finishing as runners-up. But everything happens for the best. There is a right time for everything—we will return with the trophy and an even greater achievement," he said

Kerala’s campaign was filled with resilience and unforgettable performances. The journey to the final saw remarkable comebacks, including a dramatic helmet-assisted catch in the semi-final, which seemed to signal that luck was on their side. However, their dream of a maiden Ranji Trophy title ended in heartbreak in the final against Vidarbha. A first-innings deficit of 37 runs proved decisive, and with the match ending in a draw, Vidarbha claimed the championship, leaving Kerala as runners-up.

Where did the final slip away?
While Kerala had moments of fortune in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, luck deserted them in the final. The turning point came when Sachin Baby’s ill-timed shot shifted the game’s momentum. A more cautious approach might have helped Kerala secure the all-important first-innings lead—and potentially their first Ranji Trophy title.

Another crucial moment was Karun Nair’s dropped catch, which allowed Vidarbha to take full advantage. These fine margins ultimately pushed the trophy out of Kerala’s grasp.

A campaign that earned respect
Despite the disappointment, Kerala’s players won admiration for their spirited performances. The team reached the final after overcoming some of the strongest sides in the competition. From head coach Amay Khurasiya to debutant Ahammed Imran, every member played a key role.

When the top order struggled, the middle order delivered. When they faltered, the lower order fought back. Kerala was not expected to reach the final, yet they did—keeping their Ranji Trophy dream alive.

The emergence of Kerala’s young stars
Alongside experienced players, a new generation is shaping Kerala’s cricketing future. Salman Nizar’s determined efforts, Mohammed Azharuddeen’s patient century, and the contributions of Jalaj Saxena, Sijomon Joseph, and Nidheesh M D indicate a promising outlook.

Kerala’s Ranji Trophy history, spanning 75 years, was once marked by rare victories. Under the old zonal format, even a draw against Andhra or a win over Goa was an achievement. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Hyderabad, with their strong squads, dominated the South Zone. However, the introduction of a new format allowed Kerala to compete more frequently against top-tier teams.

The team addressed its weaknesses, recruited young talent, and benefited from experienced coaches—from Dermot Reeve to the current guidance of Amay Khurasiya. Known for his attacking approach, Khurasiya instilled patience and discipline in the squad.

Unforgettable moments from the season
Kerala’s journey this season featured several standout moments. Mohammed Azharuddeen’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Kerala Cricket League played a crucial role in their semi-final qualification.

A defining moment came when Salman Nizar and Basil Thampi’s 80-run last-wicket partnership secured a one-run lead, which propelled Kerala into the semi-finals. Another crucial victory was sealed with a two-run lead, aided by a helmet-assisted fielding effort.

With contributions from Azharuddeen, Sachin Baby, Salman, and Ahammed Imran, Kerala fans have plenty to look forward to. Strengthening the squad with a quality pacer, a replacement for Jalaj Saxena, and a solid top-order batsman could be on the Kerala Cricket Association’s agenda for the next season.

What lies ahead for Kerala cricket?
Kerala’s Ranji Trophy record includes a pre-quarterfinal appearance in 1994-95, a quarter-final run in 2017-18, and a semi-final finish in 2018-19. This season, however, has paved the way for emerging stars. More players from outside Kerala may be drawn to the team, and local support for Kerala cricketers is expected to grow.

After S Sreesanth and Sanju Samson, more Malayalis could earn a spot in the Indian team in the coming years.

Despite the heartbreak of finishing as runners-up, this season was a step forward. Kerala’s fight deserves recognition, and their dream of winning the Ranji Trophy remains very much alive.