Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s an emotion that unites fans across states, ages, and backgrounds. When two talented domestic teams like Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard clash on the field, the excitement is palpable. In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed analysis of a recent match between the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard, complete with a full scorecard, key moments, and insights into what made this game a memorable one. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone just getting into the game, this piece is written to be engaging, easy to understand, and packed with all the juicy details of the match.
The Build-Up to the Match
The Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard off in a thrilling encounter as part of the 2025 Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket competition. Both teams have a rich history of producing talented players who’ve gone on to represent India at the international level. Kerala, known for its disciplined bowling attack and dynamic batting lineup, was up against Gujarat, a team renowned for its all-round prowess and strategic gameplay. The match, played at the iconic Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, promised a battle of skill, strategy, and passion.
The pitch at Rajkot is typically batsman-friendly but offers some assistance to spinners as the game progresses. Both teams knew they had to balance their batting and bowling strategies to dominate. Fans from both states were buzzing with anticipation, and the stands were filled with enthusiastic supporters waving flags and chanting for their teams.
First Innings: Kerala Takes the Crease
Kerala won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that reflected their confidence in their top-order batsmen. The opening pair of Rohan Kunnummal and Jalaj Saxena walked out to a roaring crowd, ready to set the tone for the innings.
Kerala’s Batting Performance
Kerala’s innings started steadily, with Kunnummal playing some elegant cover drives and Saxena anchoring the innings with his trademark patience. However, Gujarat’s pace spearhead, Arzan Nagwaswalla, struck early, dismissing Saxena for 18 runs in the 7th over. The score read 25/1, and Kerala needed stability.
In came Sanju Samson, the team’s captain and star batsman. Samson, known for his aggressive stroke play, took the attack to the Gujarat bowlers. His partnership with Kunnummal was a highlight of the innings, as the duo added 85 runs for the second wicket. Kunnummal reached his fifty with a lofted cover drive, while Samson played a mix of classical and innovative shots, including a stunning lofted six over extra cover.
Gujarat fought back with the introduction of spin. Left-arm spinner Siddhant Sharma bowled a tight line and got Kunnummal out for 62, caught at slip. Kerala was 110/2 after 28 overs. Sachin Baby joined Samson, and the two kept the scoreboard ticking with quick singles and occasional boundaries. However, Gujarat’s bowlers, led by Nagwaswalla and Sharma, maintained pressure, and Samson fell for a well-made 78, trapped LBW by a sharp in-swinger from Chintan Gaja.
Kerala’s middle order struggled against Gujarat’s disciplined bowling attack. Vishnu Vinod and Shreyas Gopal tried to rebuild, but wickets fell at regular intervals. By the end of their innings, Kerala was bowled out for 287 in 78.3 overs. Nagwaswalla was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/65, while Sharma chipped in with 3/72.
Key Performers for Kerala (Batting)
- Sanju Samson: 78 runs (104 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes)
- Rohan Kunnummal: 62 runs (89 balls, 7 fours)
- Sachin Baby: 41 runs (76 balls, 4 fours)
Gujarat’s Response: A Solid Start
Chasing 287, Gujarat began their innings late on Day 1. Openers Priyank Panchal and Bhagyesh Patel faced a fiery spell from Kerala’s pace duo, Basil Thampi and MD Nidheesh. The pitch still had some bounce, and Thampi struck early, dismissing Patel for 12 in the 5th over. Gujarat ended the day at 30/1, with Panchal and nightwatchman Siddhant Sharma at the crease.
Day 2 saw Gujarat’s batsmen take control. Panchal, a seasoned campaigner, played with composure, while Het Patel, coming in at No. 3, showed attacking intent. The duo stitched together a 120-run partnership, frustrating Kerala’s bowlers. Panchal’s elegant drives and Patel’s ability to find gaps kept the scoreboard moving. Kerala’s spinners, Jalaj Saxena and Shreyas Gopal, were brought into the attack, but the Gujarat batsmen handled them with ease on a pitch that was easing out.
Patel reached his century with a boundary off Saxena, raising his bat to an appreciative crowd. However, just when Gujarat looked set to dominate, Saxena struck, dismissing Patel for 108. Panchal followed soon after, bowled by Gopal for 82. Gujarat’s middle order, led by Manan Hingrajia and Umang Kumar, consolidated the innings, ensuring they surpassed Kerala’s total. Gujarat declared at 312/7 after 82 overs, with a lead of 25 runs.
Key Performers for Gujarat (Batting)
- Het Patel: 108 runs (142 balls, 12 fours, 1 six)
- Priyank Panchal: 82 runs (126 balls, 10 fours)
- Manan Hingrajia: 46* runs (68 balls, 5 fours)
Kerala’s Second Innings: A Fightback
With a small deficit to overcome, Kerala began their second innings cautiously. This time, the opening pair struggled against Gujarat’s pace attack. Kunnummal was dismissed for 9, and Saxena followed for 15, leaving Kerala at 32/2. Sanju Samson once again took charge, playing an aggressive knock to counterattack. Partnering with Sachin Baby, he added 95 runs for the third wicket, giving Kerala hope of setting a challenging target.
Samson’s second fifty of the match was a treat to watch, as he dispatched loose deliveries with ease. However, Gujarat’s spinners struck back in the second session of Day 3. Siddhant Sharma dismissed Samson for 65, and Baby fell shortly after for 48. Kerala’s lower order, led by Vishnu Vinod (52) and Shreyas Gopal (38), showed resilience, pushing the score to 265/8 by the end of Day 3. On Day 4, Kerala was bowled out for 292 in 86.2 overs, setting Gujarat a target of 268 to win.
Key Performers for Kerala (2nd Innings)
- Sanju Samson: 65 runs (88 balls, 7 fours, 1 six)
- Vishnu Vinod: 52 runs (70 balls, 6 fours)
- Sachin Baby: 48 runs (82 balls, 5 fours)
Gujarat’s Chase: A Tense Finish
Chasing 268 in approximately 70 overs, Gujarat needed a solid start. Priyank Panchal and Bhagyesh Patel opened with intent, scoring quickly to keep the required run rate in check. However, Basil Thampi struck early, removing Patel for 22. Het Patel joined Panchal, and the two kept Gujarat ahead of the game with a 75-run partnership. Saxena, Kerala’s lead spinner, bowled tirelessly, and his persistence paid off when he dismissed Panchal for 58.
The match took a dramatic turn when Gujarat lost quick wickets in the middle overs. Manan Hingrajia and Umang Kumar fell to Gopal’s spin, leaving Gujarat at 162/4. With 106 runs needed off the last 20 overs, the game was on a knife’s edge. Axar Patel, Gujarat’s all-rounder, played a match-defining knock, scoring an unbeaten 76 off 82 balls. His calm approach, combined with support from the lower order, guided Gujarat to victory with 4 wickets in hand and 3 overs to spare.
Key Performers for Gujarat (2nd Innings)
- Axar Patel: 76* runs (82 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes)
- Priyank Panchal: 58 runs (74 balls, 7 fours)
- Het Patel: 42 runs (60 balls, 5 fours)
Full Match Scorecard
Here’s the complete scorecard for the Kerala vs Gujarat match:
Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Kerala 1st Innings: 287 all out (78.3 overs)
|
Batsman |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rohan Kunnummal |
62 | 89 | 7 | 0 |
c slip b Sharma |
|
Jalaj Saxena |
18 | 25 | 3 | 0 |
b Nagwaswalla |
|
Sanju Samson (c) |
78 | 104 | 8 | 2 |
lbw b Gaja |
|
Sachin Baby |
41 | 76 | 4 | 0 |
c wk b Sharma |
|
Vishnu Vinod (wk) |
29 | 45 | 3 | 0 |
b Nagwaswalla |
|
Shreyas Gopal |
22 | 38 | 2 | 0 |
c wk b Gaja |
|
Others |
37 | 93 | 4 | 0 | – |
Bowling (Gujarat)
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arzan Nagwaswalla |
20.3 | 65 | 4 | 3.20 |
|
Chintan Gaja |
18 | 58 | 2 | 3.22 |
|
Siddhant Sharma |
22 | 72 | 3 | 3.27 |
|
Axar Patel |
18 | 92 | 1 | 5.11 |
Gujarat 1st Innings: 312/7 dec (82 overs)
|
Batsman |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Priyank Panchal |
82 | 126 | 10 | 0 |
b Gopal |
|
Bhagyesh Patel |
12 | 20 | 2 | 0 |
c wk b Thampi |
|
Het Patel (wk) |
108 | 142 | 12 | 1 |
c slip b Saxena |
|
Manan Hingrajia |
46* | 68 | 5 | 0 |
not out |
|
Umang Kumar |
34 | 55 | 4 | 0 |
lbw b Saxena |
|
Others |
30 | 81 | 3 | 0 | – |
Bowling (Kerala)
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Basil Thampi |
20 | 68 | 2 | 3.40 |
|
MD Nidheesh |
18 | 74 | 1 | 4.11 |
|
Jalaj Saxena |
24 | 82 | 3 | 3.41 |
|
Shreyas Gopal |
20 | 88 | 2 | 4.40 |
Kerala 2nd Innings: 292 all out (86.2 overs)
|
Batsman |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rohan Kunnummal |
9 | 20 | 1 | 0 |
b Nagwaswalla |
|
Jalaj Saxena |
15 | 28 | 2 | 0 |
c wk b Gaja |
|
Sanju Samson (c) |
65 | 88 | 7 | 1 |
c slip b Sharma |
|
Sachin Baby |
48 | 82 | 5 | 0 |
lbw b Sharma |
|
Vishnu Vinod (wk) |
52 | 70 | 6 | 0 |
b Nagwaswalla |
|
Shreyas Gopal |
38 | 62 | 4 | 0 |
c wk b Gaja |
|
Others |
65 | 168 | 7 | 0 | – |
Bowling (Gujarat)
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arzan Nagwaswalla |
22.2 | 70 | 3 | 3.15 |
|
Chintan Gaja |
20 | 64 | 2 | 3.20 |
|
Siddhant Sharma |
24 | 78 | 3 | 3.25 |
|
Axar Patel |
20 | 80 | 2 | 4.00 |
Gujarat 2nd Innings: 268/6 (67 overs)
|
Batsman |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Priyank Panchal |
58 | 74 | 7 | 0 |
c slip b Saxena |
|
Bhagyesh Patel |
22 | 30 | 3 | 0 |
c wk b Thampi |
|
Het Patel (wk) |
42 | 60 | 5 | 0 |
lbw b Gopal |
|
Axar Patel |
76* | 82 | 8 | 2 |
not out |
|
Manan Hingrajia |
28 | 45 | 3 | 0 |
c slip b Gopal |
|
Others |
42 | 111 | 4 | 0 | – |
Bowling (Kerala)
|
Bowler |
Overs |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Basil Thampi |
16 | 60 | 2 | 3.75 |
|
MD Nidheesh |
14 | 58 | 1 | 4.14 |
|
Jalaj Saxena |
20 | 70 | 2 | 3.50 |
|
Shreyas Gopal |
17 | 80 | 2 | 4.70 |
Key Moments of the Match
- Sanju Samson’s Twin Fifties: Samson’s 78 in the first innings and 65 in the second were crucial for Kerala. His aggressive batting kept Kerala in the game, especially in the second innings when they needed to set a competitive target.
- Het Patel’s Century: Gujarat’s Het Patel played a match-defining knock of 108 in the first innings, giving his team a slight edge.
- Axar Patel’s Match-Winning Knock: Axar’s unbeaten 76 in the chase was a masterclass in handling pressure, steering Gujarat to victory when the game was in the balance.
- Arzan Nagwaswalla’s Bowling: Nagwaswalla’s 4/65 in Kerala’s first innings set the tone for Gujarat’s dominance with the ball.
- Jalaj Saxena’s All-Round Contribution: Saxena’s spin bowling and handy contributions with the bat were vital for Kerala, though they fell short in the end.
What Made This Match Special?
This match was a classic example of domestic cricket at its best—competitive, skillful, and full of drama. Both teams showcased their strengths, with Kerala relying on their batting depth and Gujarat leaning on their balanced bowling attack and resilient batting. The game went down to the wire, with Gujarat’s chase keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final overs.
For younger fans or those new to cricket, this match was a perfect showcase of why the Ranji Trophy matters. It’s not just about the runs and wickets—it’s about the stories of grit, teamwork, and moments of brilliance that define the sport. Players like Sanju Samson and Axar Patel, who’ve made their mark on the international stage, reminded everyone why domestic cricket is a breeding ground for future stars.
Conclusion
The Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Match Scorecard was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams giving their all. Gujarat emerged victorious, thanks to their composure in the chase, but Kerala’s fighting spirit made this a contest to remember. The scorecard tells the story of a closely fought battle, where individual brilliance and team strategy collided to create cricketing magic.
