As Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy 2025 Semifinal unfolds, the battle between Gujarat and Kerala is reaching a crucial juncture. Kerala, who have been in commanding form, will look to tighten their grip on the match and push closer to a historic final berth. However, Gujarat—known for their resilience—will be eager to strike back, turning the tide in their favor.
With the pitch offering assistance to both batters and bowlers, the morning session could prove decisive. Can Kerala’s bowlers extend their dominance, or will Gujarat’s batting lineup stage a strong comeback to keep their Ranji Trophy hopes alive? Day 3 promises high-intensity action as both teams fight for a spot in the grand finale!
High-Stakes Battle Unfolds in Ahmedabad as Kerala Push for First-Innings Lead
The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinal is delivering all the drama cricket fans crave as Kerala and Gujarat battle it out for a spot in the final. With Day 3 underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium A Ground in Ahmedabad, Kerala holds the upper hand thanks to a resilient Mohammed Azharuddeen masterclass, but Gujarat is far from out of the contest.
The match is being streamed live on Jio Hotstar, and with Kerala resuming their innings at a commanding 418 for seven, the real question is: Can they capitalize on their lead, or will Gujarat fight back?
Mohammed Azharuddeen’s Stunning Revival – A Knock for the Ages
Few expected Mohammed Azharuddeen to steal the limelight, but his unbeaten 149 off 303 balls has turned the match in Kerala’s favor.
- First red-ball hundred in seven years – His last first-class century came all the way back in November 2015.
- Resilient innings – Azharuddeen held firm against Gujarat’s pace attack, striking 17 boundaries, with the majority coming through the off-side.
- A marathon knock – He carried his bat through the day, ensuring Kerala built a strong total.
His partnership with Salman Nizar (52 off 202 balls) further cemented Kerala’s dominance, as the pair added 149 crucial runs, steering Kerala past the 350-run mark.
Kerala’s Dominance with the Bat – A Historic Opportunity?
Kerala, a team that has never gone beyond the semifinals in the Ranji Trophy, started Day 2 at 206 for four, with skipper Sachin Baby (69 overnight) expected to play a pivotal role. However, he was dismissed without adding to his tally, falling to Gujarat’s Arzan Nagwaswalla on just the second ball of the day.
Despite the early setback, Azharuddeen’s gritty innings ensured Kerala ended the day at a commanding 418 for seven, setting them up for a potential first-innings lead—a crucial advantage in this high-stakes contest.
With the pitch remaining flat, Kerala will look to bat as long as possible on Day 3 before putting Gujarat under pressure.
Gujarat’s Bowling Woes – Can Nagwaswalla Deliver Again?
While Kerala dominated with the bat, Gujarat’s bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs. Their most effective bowler has been Arzan Nagwaswalla, who has taken three wickets so far, including the crucial scalp of Sachin Baby early on Day 2.
However, Gujarat desperately needs its other bowlers—Ravi Bishnoi, Chintan Gaja, and Priyajitsing Jadeja—to step up and wrap up Kerala’s innings quickly.
What’s at Stake on Day 3?
- For Kerala: Extend their lead and bat Gujarat out of the contest. A score above 450 would put them in complete control.
- For Gujarat: Take quick wickets and restrict Kerala from adding too many runs, keeping their own hopes alive.
Gujarat’s Response – Can Their Batting Lineup Handle the Pressure?
Gujarat’s batting will be severely tested when they finally get their turn with the bat. They have a strong lineup, including:
- Priyank Panchal – A seasoned campaigner who needs to anchor Gujarat’s innings.
- Siddharth Desai & Aarya Desai – Both players have the talent to stabilize Gujarat’s chase.
- Urvil Patel (WK) – Will be crucial in the lower-middle order to counter Kerala’s bowling attack.
With Kerala’s spinners likely to come into play as the pitch deteriorates, Gujarat’s batters will need to be patient and build partnerships.
Key Player Battles to Watch on Day 3
- Mohammed Azharuddeen vs Gujarat’s Bowlers – Can Azharuddeen convert his 149* into a double century and further dent Gujarat’s morale?
- Arzan Nagwaswalla vs Kerala’s Lower Order – Can Gujarat’s strike bowler clean up the tail before more damage is done?
- Priyank Panchal vs Kerala’s Spinners – If Kerala enforces a lead, can Panchal hold Gujarat’s innings together?
Playing XIs for the Semifinal
- Gujarat: Priyank Panchal, Aarya Desai, Siddharth Desai, Manan Hingrajia, Jaymeet Patel, Urvil Patel (WK), Chintan Gaja (C), Vishal Jayswal, Ravi Bishnoi, Arzan Nagwaswalla, Priyajitsing Jadeja
- Kerala: Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Ahammed Imran, Sachin Baby (C), Jalaj Saxena, Varun Nayanar, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen (WK), Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil
Who Has the Upper Hand?
With Kerala firmly in control, all eyes will be on how much longer they can bat on Day 3. If Azharuddeen continues his form, Gujarat could be in for a long, grueling day.
However, cricket is unpredictable, and if Nagwaswalla and company find an early breakthrough, the match could swing right back in Gujarat’s favor.
It’s a battle of patience, resilience, and skill. Can Kerala push for history, or will Gujarat pull off a stunning comeback?
Stay tuned for live updates, post-match analysis, and expert insights from this Ranji Trophy semi final clash.
