Kerala has long been synonymous with sports like athletics, football, and volleyball, producing legends such as P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, I.M. Vijayan, and Jimmy George. However, cricket, once an underdog in the state’s sporting culture, has now emerged as a formidable force. This shift in perception has been solidified by Kerala’s historic journey to the Ranji Trophy final under the leadership of Sachin Baby, a moment that has reshaped the cricketing landscape in the state.
The state’s incredible victory over Gujarat in the semi-finals, clinched by a mere two-run first-innings lead, stunned fans and analysts alike. Reaching the final was once thought impossible for a Kerala team that had long struggled to gain prominence in domestic cricket. Yet, this was not an overnight success story. Kerala had previously reached the Ranji Trophy semi-finals in 2018-19 and the quarter-finals in 2017-18, with a breakthrough knockout-stage appearance in 1994-95.
Historically, cricket in Kerala had taken a backseat to other sports, with fans preferring the fast-paced excitement of football and volleyball over drawn-out cricket matches that rarely favored the home team. However, change began when the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) prioritized infrastructure development, establishing turf grounds and academies across the state. This investment paid off, as seen in the emergence of top-tier cricketers like Sanju Samson, Sreesanth, and Tinu Yohannan.
Former cricketers and administrators like P. Balachandran and K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan have credited the state’s transformation to better coaching, structured player development, and consistent support from KCA. Players like Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen, along with professional imports Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate, have further strengthened Kerala’s squad.
Notably, Kerala’s rise in cricket isn’t limited to men’s cricket. The state’s female cricketers are also making waves, with V.J. Joshitha being part of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has also provided opportunities for Kerala’s women cricketers to shine on a national platform.
From being an overlooked cricketing state to reaching the Ranji Trophy final, Kerala cricket has embarked on an inspiring journey. As the state eagerly awaits the final clash against Vidarbha, the dream of lifting the prestigious trophy is closer than ever, signaling the dawn of a new era in Kerala cricket.
