Ranji Trophyの準決勝：ムンバイSans Jaiswalはタイトル43を狩り、Samson Less Keralaは最初の決勝を目指しています

The 2024-25 season is nearing its end. Just three matches remain. It’s time for Ranji Trophy semifinals. Gujarat takes on Kerala in the first semifinal and Mumbai takes on Vidarbha in Nagpur in the second semifinal. All for a spot in the final and a chance to get hold of the coveted Ranji Trophy.

The second semifinal could be the main match. It’s a rematch of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy Final. Vidarbha get across the line as Mumbai won their 42nd title. But Akshay Wadkar-led side isn’t to be taken likely. They are 2-time champions and are to lose a match this season.

The same can’t be said for Mumbai. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team were given a reality check by Jammu and Kashmir but they have done incredibly well to bounce back. Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube had joined but Jaiswal has suffered an ankle injury which rules him out. They have been hampered with injuries but such is their bench strength that they make yet another semifinal.

Against Mumbai, almost every team looks like a underdog. Last year’s finalists Vidarbha may enter as the second favourites but they will be eager to avenge defeat the last time around and want silverware in their hand come March 2.

The Gujarat vs Kerala semifinal could be the more fascinating one. Gujarat have one title under their belts but they have reached the final two just twice. As for Kerala, it could be the biggest moment in their history. This is just the second time, after the 2018-19 season, for the Sachin Baby-led side to reach the semifinal.

Like Mumbai, Kerala is injury stricken. Sanju Samson, their wicketkeeper batter and captain has injured his right hand index injury and is ruled out. Although Samson doesn’t have the same pedigree in red-ball cricket as he does in limited-overs, but he’s still one to look out for.

Gujarat will be going in as the favourites but Kerala can’t be taken lightly. They have won just three of their eight matches but importantly haven;t lost one match. Their semifinal berth was booked due to a 1-run lead in the quarterfinal against Jammu and Kashmir. But that’s past now. Gujarat is stronger on paper, but what happens in the ground is what matters.