The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy concluded with Vidarbha claiming their third title victory prevailing over first-time finalists Kerala by virtue of first innings lead. Plenty of players impressed with their game throughout the season. Here’s a look at the team of tournament:
1. Tanmay Agarwal: Tanmay Agarwal, the Hyderabad opener, showcased his prowess in the Ranji Trophy this year, accumulating an impressive 934 runs across 12 innings at an average of 77.83. The 29-year-old’s brilliant run was highlighted by his 4 centuries and 2 half-centuries. The southpaw’s best performance was against Himachal Pradesh, where he scored a magnificent 177 runs.
2. Ayush Pandey: Chattisgarh opener Ayush Pandey had an impressive campaign in the Ranji Trophy, scoring 744 runs in 12 innings at an average of 67.64. The 21-year-old struck 2 centuries and a half-century. Pandey’s finest hour came against Assam when he smacked 211 runs. Additionally, the southpaw also shined against a strong Tamil Nadu attack, hitting 124 runs.
3. Shubham Sharma (captain): Madhya Pradesh skipper Shubham Sharma demonstrated exceptional form in the Ranji Trophy this year, amassing 943 runs in 12 innings with a highly impressive average of 104.78. The 31-year-old right-handed batter smashed 3 centuries, including 2 double tons, and 4 half-centuries.
4. Karun Nair: Karun Nair, played a crucial part in Vidarbha’s title win, scoring 863 runs in 16 innings at an average of 53.93. The 33-year-old hit 4 centuries and 3 half-centuries. Nair’s performances were especially noteworthy in the quarterfinals against Tamil Nadu, where he scored 122 runs in the first innings, earning him the Player of the Match award. In the final against Kerala, he batted brilliantly with scores of 86 and 135 to help Vidarbha clinch the championship.
5. Yash Rathod: Vidarbha’s batting sensation Yash Rathod stood out as the tournament’s leading run-getter, amassing an impressive 960 runs in 18 innings at an average of 53.33. The 24-year-old southpaw showcased hit 5 centuries and 3 half-centuries. Rathod’s stellar performances came to the forefront in Vidarbha’s 80-run semi-final triumph over powerhouse Mumbai. The southpaw put on an impressive display with scores of 54 and 151, earning him the Player of the Match award. In the quarterfinal clash against Tamil Nadu, Rathod played a brilliant knock of 112 runs in the third innings, proving to be a crucial contributor to his side’s victory.
6. Mohammad Azharuddeen (Wicketkeeper): Kerala wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen had a splendid Ranji Trophy season, scoring 635 runs in 12 innings with an impressive average of 70.56. The 30-year-old registered one century and 4 half-centuries. His most notable contribution came in the knockouts. In the quarterfinal clash against J&K, the 30-year-old played a match-saving innings of 67 not out in the fourth innings, which helped Kerala progress to the semifinals based on first innings lead. In the semifinal against Gujarat, his unbeaten 177 runs provided the platform for Kerala to put a big total. Azharuddeen not only impressed with the bat but also behind the wickets, tallying an impressive 28 dismissals, including 21 catches and 7 stumpings. This made him the second most prolific wicketkeeper in the tournament.
7. Jalaj Saxena: Evergreen spin bowling allrounder, Jalaj Saxena, put up yet another stellar campaign, aiding Kerala in their maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance. He bagged 40 wickets in 16 innings with an average of 22.55, with his off-spin prowess. He achieved 5 five-wicket hauls. Saxena also contributed valuable runs to the team’s cause, tallying 366 runs in 12 innings at an average of more than 33, featuring 2 half-centuries.
8. Shardul Thakur: Shardul Thakur emerged as a crucial all-round threat for Mumbai, showcasing his versatility with both the bat and ball. He claimed 35 wickets in 18 innings, displaying an impressive average of 22.62. The 33-year-old stood out during the quarterfinal victory over Haryana, taking 6-58 and 3-26, proving pivotal in the triumph. His batting was equally noteworthy, with 505 runs scored in 12 innings at an average of 42.08 and strike rate of 88.75. Thakur registered one century and 4 half-centuries.
9. Harsh Dubey: Harsh Dubey, the promising spin bowling all-rounder from Vidarbha, etched a historic record picking most wickets in a Ranji season. The left-arm spinner picked an astounding total of 69 wickets at an impressive average of 16.98 across 17 innings. His contribution included an incredible 7 five-wicket hauls. Beyond his bowling prowess, the 24-year-old also registered 476 runs in 17 innings, averaging 28. The southpaw hit with 5 half-centuries, including twin fifties against Tamil Nadu in the quarterfinals.
10. Anshul Kamboj: Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj made headlines in the Ranji Trophy by claiming 34 wickets in just 12 innings, maintaining an impressive average of 13.79. At the young of 24, Kamboj etched his name in the annals of Ranji history by becoming the only bowler to take all 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala.
11. Aaquib Nabi: Aaquib Nabi, a right-arm pace stalwart from J & K, had a crucial role in his team’s impressive run to the quarterfinals. He dominated with the ball, claiming 44 wickets across 15 innings at a highly impressive average of 13.93. Nabi’s contribution was remarkable, with 6 five-wicket hauls, making him the highest wicket-taker among pacers. His performance stood out particularly in the team’s significant upset win against Mumbai, where he picked up 2-36 and 4-80 across 2 innings.