Ranji Trophy 2024/25: Gujarat and Kerala vie for final berth
What's the story
Gujarat will take on Kerala in the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy, starting in Ahmedabad on Monday.
The hosts are relying on their strong batting order, which includes important players like Manan Hingrajia and Jaymeet Patel.
Traditionally, Gujarat's plan has been to outdo opponents with strong first innings.
It has worked well for them all season, and they are expected to continue with it in this important match.
Team performance
Gujarat's journey to the semi-finals
Gujarat, the 2016-17 season champions, booked their semi-final spot after a convincing win over Saurashtra by an innings and 98 runs.
This is their first return to this stage since the 2019-20 season.
The team's success has been largely credited to its strong middle order, which includes Hingrajia, Patel, and wicketkeeper Urvil Patel.
Player spotlight
Patel's century boosts Gujarat's confidence
Jaymeet Patel has been a key player for Gujarat this season, scoring 582 runs at an average of 48.50. He has two hundreds and four fifties to his name.
In the quarter-finals against Saurashtra, Patel scored a crucial century that helped Gujarat post an impressive first innings total of 511.
Hingrajia has also been consistent with two tons and 570 runs this season, bolstering Gujarat's batting.
Opponent overview
Kerala's path to the semi-finals
Led by Sachin Baby, Kerala have had an eventful journey to the semi-finals.
They booked their second semi-final berth since 2018-19 after a closely contested quarter-final victory over Jammu & Kashmir.
Despite a challenging target of 399, Kerala showed remarkable resilience on the final day to bat out and force a draw.
This was largely due to a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 115 runs between Mohammed Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar.
Player performance
Nizar and Nidheesh: Kerala's key players
Salman Nizar has been Kerala's star performer this season and his form will be instrumental in the upcoming match. He scored an unbeaten century in the first inning of the quarterfinals.
MD Nidheesh has spearheaded Kerala's bowling attack with 10 wickets in the quarter-final encounter and 22 wickets this season.
His accurate line and length, variety, and deadly outswingers will be key weapons against Gujarat's batsmen.
Veteran contribution
Saxena: Kerala's top wicket-taker this season
Another key figure for Kerala is seasoned player Jalaj Saxena, who has over 6,900 runs and 470 wickets in First-Class cricket.
The 38-year-old spin bowler has taken 34 wickets at an average of 16.84 this season, making him their top wicket-taker.
He has also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring two fifties to reach a total of 271 runs at an average of 30.11.