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Ranji Trophy 2025: Sachin Baby says he has been part of team for 15 years, calls it one of his greatest achievements after Kerala reaches final

Danish Malewar, who contributed a significant 150 runs, was eventually removed, allowing Kerala to gain momentum as they began the day on a strong note. Despite a late surge from Vidarbha’s tail-enders adding vital runs, Kerala’s bowlers proved effective and committed.

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1 year ago

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Sachin Baby made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2009 against Andhra Pradesh, and after 15 years of dedication, he is now leading Kerala to its first appearance in the finals of this prestigious domestic red-ball tournament. This marks a significant achievement, as Kerala has not reached the Ranji Trophy finals in 74 years, having secured a thrilling two-run victory over Gujarat in the semi-finals days ago.

Reflecting on this milestone, Sachin Baby stated, “Having been part of this team for 15 years, I truly understand the hard work we’ve put in over the past few years. Our efforts are finally starting to pay off.”

On the second day of the final match, Kerala faced an early setback with two quick wickets falling, but a strong partnership between Aditya Sarwate and Imran steadied the innings with nearly 90 runs. Imran, who looked promising with his 37 runs, unfortunately, lost his wicket at a critical moment. Sarwate’s continued presence at the crease now presents a key opportunity for Kerala, while they still trail by 248 runs. Vidarbha, on the other hand, hopes their pace attack can maintain its momentum as Day 3 approaches.

The second day proved fruitful for Kerala, who excelled both with the bat and ball. Their bowlers worked hard early on to dismiss Vidarbha’s batsmen. Danish Malewar, who contributed a significant 150 runs, was eventually removed, allowing Kerala to gain momentum as they began the day on a strong note. Despite a late surge from Vidarbha’s tail-enders adding vital runs, Kerala’s bowlers proved effective and committed.

The knockout clash between Kerala and Gujarat at the Narendra Modi Stadium featured dramatic moments that saw Kerala advance to the finals against Vidarbha. An unexpected deflection off Salman Nizar’s helmet allowed Sachin Baby to secure a memorable catch, giving Kerala a crucial two-run lead. This moment has etched itself in the tournament’s history.

“It feels incredible to have reached the final of such a prestigious tournament after so long. It’s a special moment not just for me but for the team, as we’ve never competed in a final at this level before. Although I won the Duleep Trophy two years ago, we hadn’t clinched a title for Kerala or reached any domestic finals until now,” Sachin Baby shared to Hindustan Times.

He recalled their last encounter with Vidarbha in the semi-finals six years ago, stating, “It means so much for us to face them again in the final.”

After taking a blow to his helmet, Nizar experienced some discomfort and was subsequently replaced by Shoun Roger as a concussion substitute. Following medical checks, it was decided he should undergo scans at a nearby hospital. Fortunately, he was cleared and returned a couple of hours later, bringing relief to the team and fans alike. Sachin confirmed, “He’s doing okay now. He felt a bit off after the hit, but all tests came back normal.”

Kerala’s path to the finals was marked by a mix of luck and determination, illustrating their competitive spirit. Their narrower-than-expected first-innings lead in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals was crucial for their progression.

“We felt the pressure towards the end, but every match had that do-or-die intensity, especially given the strong competition in our group,” Baby remarked. “We’ve worked tirelessly and it finally seems our hard work is paying off.”

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Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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3 days ago

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April 14, 2026

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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3 days ago

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April 14, 2026

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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1 week ago

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April 7, 2026

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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