Kerala takes on Gujarat in Ranji Trophy semifinal clash today at Narendra Modi stadium

AHMEDABAD: Kerala and Gujarat lock horns in the Ranji Trophy semifinal, kicking off today at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match is live-streaming on the Jio Cinema app.

After winning the toss, Kerala chose to bat first. The team has made a steady start, reaching 48 without loss after 17 overs, with openers Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran at the crease.

Kerala’s hopes rest on Salman Nizar, who has scored centuries in the last two matches. The strong form of players like Mohammed Azharuddeen, Nidheesh MD, Jalaj Saxena, and Akshay Chandran boosts Kerala’s chances. A powerful batting lineup extending down to the tenth position is the key strength of the team led by Sachin Baby.

Kerala reached the semifinals by overcoming Kashmir in the quarterfinals, thanks to a one-run first-innings lead. This is Kerala’s second Ranji Trophy semifinal appearance in history — the first was in the 2018/19 season, where they lost to Vidarbha.

Gujarat, on the other hand, stormed into the semifinals with an innings victory over former champions Saurashtra in the quarterfinals. With Indian team member Ravi Bishnoi, Urvi Patel, and Jaimit Patel in their ranks, Gujarat presents a formidable challenge. Kerala reached the semis through upsets in Group C, which included giants like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Gujarat were Ranji Trophy champions in the 2016-17 season and last played a semifinal in the 2019-20 season.