Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final: Karun Nair Smashes 4th Century, Powers Vidarbha on Cusp of Ranji Trophy Title - Watch!

At the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, Karun Nair's outstanding performance in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy continued when he struck a spectacular century in the final against Kerala. Nair put Vidarbha in a great position as they pursued their third Ranji Trophy victory with this ton.

On the penultimate day, Vidarbha extended their advantage to 226 after reaching 189/3 at tea, chasing their third Ranji title. After establishing a vital 182-run third-wicket partnership with Danish Malewar, who showed tenacity with a 73 off 161 balls, Nair stayed undefeated at 100 (187 balls).

After an unlucky run-out at 86 in the first innings, Nair lost out on a century, but he made up for it in the second. He carefully navigated Kerala's bowling assault, which featured players like MD Nidheesh and Jalaj Saxena. Nair's ties to Kerala are strong. Although his parents, Kaladharan and Prema Nair, are from Kerala, he was born in Rajasthan. After his family relocated to Bengaluru for his father's work, Nair began playing cricket for Karnataka. He played for Karnataka for over ten years until deciding to depart in August 2023 after being dropped across formats.

Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final insiders:

Karun Nair scores a brilliant century in the Ranji Trophy final, strengthening his case for the England tour. Vidarbha struggles in the second innings as Karun stands tall under pressure.

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With a stroke towards mid-wicket off Saxena's bowling, Nair achieved his century off 184 balls, marking his 23rd first-class century. Vidarbha's lead surpassed 200 runs thanks to his innings. Throughout the domestic season, the 33-year-old batsman has been in outstanding form, scoring over 800 runs in this Ranji Trophy campaign and reaching 8000 first-class runs.

He scored a century in Vidarbha's last league match against Hyderabad to start his incredible run, which carried over into the knockout stages and helped the team defeat Tamil Nadu. Malewar made 73 of 162 at the other end before losing to Akshay Chandran, but the damage was already done. 

Because of their lead in the first innings, Vidarbha merely needs a draw to win the championship. To win the coveted trophy, Kerala, on the other hand, will need to chase the target and bowl them out.

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