Sanju Samson gets emotional as Kerala reach Ranji Trophy final: 1 step away-OxBig News Network

Sanju Samson sent an emotional message to the Kerala team as they reached their first Ranji Trophy final on Friday, February 21. Kerala drew their semi-final match against Gujarat on Friday but were able to secure a crucial 2-run lead in the first innings to ensure that they qualify for their first final in their history.

Samson played the initial matches for Kerala in the season before being tied down with his India commitments. The Kerala batter took to Instagram to send his message and said he was thrilled to see the feat achieved by his side. Samson said it was a dream they had believed in almost a decade ago and the title is just 1 step away.

“What a moment. Absolutely thrilled to see this happening. A dream we all believed together 10 years ago is just 1 step away boys!! It’s ours. Go get it,” said Samson on his Instagram story.

How did Kerala qualify for the Ranji Trophy final?

Going into the final day of the contest, Gujarat needed just 29 runs to take a lead in the contest with the score at 429/7. However, spinner Aditya Sarwate took the remaining 3 wickets, with the last one being filled with drama.

Sarwate tossed the ball up and Arzan Nagwaswalla took the bait and went for a big shot. The ball would ricochet off Salman Nizar’s helmet and went straight into the hands of Sachin Baby, who was at slips. This would bring out wild celebrations from the Kerala team, who knew they were well and truly into their first final.

This gave Kerala the cushion of batting without any pressure in the second innings, as they scored 114 for 4 in 46 overs to ensure that they got the draw in the end. Jalaj Saxena top-scored for Kerala with 37 runs off 90 balls and remained unbeaten.

Rohan Kunnummal provided a good hand with 32 runs as well. Kerala will be facing Vidharbha in the final. Vidharbha knocked out 2023-24 champions Mumbai in the semi-final and won the match by 80 runs to set up the clash with Kerala.