Vidarbha retain 17-member squad for Ranji Trophy final against Kerala

NEW DELHI: Vidarbha have maintained their 17-member squad for the Ranji Trophy final against Kerala, scheduled at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha from Wednesday.

"VCA's senior selection committee decided to retain the same squad that did duty in the semi-final against Mumbai. Akshay Wadkar will lead the side," the Vidarbha Cricket Association announced on Monday.

The undefeated Vidarbha team secured their place in the final with an impressive 80-run victory over the defending champions Mumbai.

This matchup recalls last year's final where Mumbai secured their 42nd championship by defeating two-time champions Vidarbha.

Kerala is set to make their first-ever appearance in a Ranji Trophy final.

Kerala advanced to the final after securing a narrow one-run first-innings lead against Jammu and Kashmir in the quarter-final, followed by a close two-run lead victory over Gujarat in the semi-final.

Vidarbha, preparing for their fourth Ranji final appearance since their victories in 2017-18 and 2018-19, will rely on key performers like Yash Rathod (933 runs) and Harsh Dubey (66 wickets).

Rathod, a left-handed batter, ranks third in this season's Ranji Trophy run-scoring chart with 933 runs across nine matches, including five centuries and three fifties, at an average of 58.31.

The 24-year-old Rathod contributed significantly with scores of 54 and 151 in the semi-final against Mumbai.

Left-arm spinner Dubey has emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 66 wickets in nine matches at 16.42, delivering 70 maiden overs and claiming seven five-wicket hauls.

Squad: Akshay Wadkar (c&wk), Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Akshay Karnewar, Yash Kadam, Akshay Wakhare, Aditya Thakare, Darshan Nalkande, Nachiket Bhute, Siddhesh Wath (wk), Yash Thakur, Danish Malewar, Parth Rekhade, Karun Nair, Dhruv Shorey.