Ranji Trophy Final 2025: Key Players, Matchups & Fantasy Outlook
A Historic Final That Redefined Indian Domestic Cricket
When the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy kicked off, Kerala reaching the final was a surprise to most. Even fewer imagined Vidarbha lifting their third title in six years. But as the dust settled at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, Vidarbha’s persistence and strategic execution triumphed over Kerala’s spirited journey. For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, this final was a goldmine of performance, insight, and learning.
In this article, we dive into the key contributions, match-defining moments, and actionable fantasy takeaways from the Ranji Trophy 2025 final.
A Look Back: The Road to the Final
Key Performers Who Defined the 2025 Final
These key players ended up being reliable picks for fantasy teams because they kept performing well under pressure, not just in the final but all along.
1. Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha – Spinner Extraordinary)
Harsh Dubey finished the season with 66 wickets, making him the country’s leading red-ball spinner in domestic cricket. In the final, he remained a constant threat with his control and turn, especially in the second innings, where Kerala’s survival depended on neutralizing him. For fantasy players, Dubey was a must-have, consistently fetching points with both breakthroughs and economy.
2. Yash Rathod (Vidarbha – Middle Order Mainstay)
Rathod enjoyed an outstanding season with the bat, racking up more than 930 runs and hitting five centuries along the way. While he didn’t post his highest score in the final, his ability to anchor the innings and play long spells ensured fantasy players who picked him were rewarded with reliable returns throughout the tournament.
3. Danish Malewar (Vidarbha – Final’s Breakout Hero)
Few players rose to the occasion like Malewar. His gritty 153 in the first innings, followed by a steady 73 in the second, turned the tide in Vidarbha’s favor. For fantasy strategists, Malewar was the perfect differential pick – not widely selected, yet immensely rewarding.
4. Karun Nair (Vidarbha – Experience Under Pressure)
Karun Nair’s big hundred in the second innings sealed the contest, leaving Kerala with no way back. His knock made sure Kerala never got a chance to claw their way back in, turning the match clearly in Vidarbha’s favor. His innings weren’t flashy, but it was methodical, offering stability when it mattered most. For those who banked on veteran pedigree, Nair delivered handsomely in high-pressure conditions.
5. Sachin Baby (The single key batsman for Kerala during the chase)
Kerala’s captain Sachin Baby, held the second innings together with a composed 98, before falling to a mistimed sweep. While it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit, his fighting spirit made him Kerala’s top fantasy performer in the final.
Matchups That Shaped the Final
Big games are often decided by individual battles. Things were just as intense in the 2025 Ranji final.
- Dubey vs Kerala’s Middle Order: Harsh Dubey’s battle with Kerala’s spine – including Baby and Rahul – was a chess match in slow motion. Dubey’s patience and variation consistently tested the batters’ discipline.
- Malewar vs Basil Thampi: Malewar’s attacking approach against Thampi’s short-ball tactics highlighted his adaptability. Winning this battle early gave Vidarbha breathing room.
- Nair vs Kerala Spinners: While not the most aggressive duel, Nair’s methodical dismantling of Kerala’s spin attack blunted their hope for a fourth-innings comeback.
Fantasy Outlook: What We Learned from the Final
For fantasy gamers, the Ranji Trophy final provided deeper insights than just point tallies. Here are strategic takeaways that go beyond box scores:
1. Pick Players Who Thrive in Pressure Situations
Finals are rarely about explosive cameos. Players with composure, like Nair and Malewar, prove more valuable than unpredictably hitters.
2. Invest in Multi-innings Contributors
Long-format fantasy contests reward players who make an impact across both innings. Dubey, with wickets in each innings, and Rathod, with steady scoring, offered sustained value.
3. Watch for Form Leading into the Final
Harsh Dubey’s exceptional wicket tally was no accident. Monitoring performance trends across the season is a better predictor of impact than reputation alone.
4. Differential Picks Can Turn the Tide
Malewar flew under the radar for most fantasy users since he had low visibility. But his all-around skills and temperament under pressure made him the X-factor that separated the top scorers from the rest.
Why This Final Mattered for Indian Cricket
Conclusion
The 2025 Ranji Trophy final wasn’t just about who won. It was a statement on the depth of Indian cricket, the importance of patience, and the growing interest in multi-day fantasy formats. For players on Vision11, this final was a masterclass in reading the game, predicting roles, and trusting long-term performers over short-term sparks.
As we move toward more multi-format fantasy contests, understanding red-ball rhythms – like those we saw in this final – will be key to dominating leaderboards.
FAQ’s?
Vidarbha won based on a first-innings lead over Kerala, after the match ended in a draw.
Danish Malewar stood out with scores of 153 and 73 across two innings.
Harsh Dubey was the standout, taking over 60 wickets and leading the charts.
Yes, Kerala made their maiden final appearance in the 2024-25 season.
Prioritizing form players, pressure performers, and dual-innings contributors yields the best result.