VID vs KER Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update – Ranji Trophy 2025, Final
VID vs KER Match Preview
The most thrilling season of the Ranji Trophy, one of India’s most prestigious domestic tournaments, has come to an end, with only two teams remaining in the final battle for the coveted trophy out of 32 teams. The finale will be played between Vidarbha and Kerala, both of whom have displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament to secure their place in the title clash.
This highly anticipated encounter promises to be an exciting contest, with Indian cricket fans eagerly awaiting the showdown. The final is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 26, to Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur starting at 9:30 AM IST. Fans can catch the live action on Star Sports Network channels, while those who prefer streaming can watch the match on the JioHotstar app.
| Match Info: | |
|---|---|
| Series | Ranji Trophy, 2025 |
| Match | Vidarbha vs Kerala, Final |
| Venue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium |
| City | Jamtha, Nagpur |
| Match Start Time | 9:30 AM IST – Wednesday, 26 Feb – 02 March, 2025 |
| TV Channel | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streamimg | JioHotstar |
Vidarbha Record in Ranji Trophy 2025
In the Ranji Trophy 2025, Vidarbha displayed excellent cricketing skills as a team throughout the tournament and finished the group stage in the first position without losing a single match. They played a total of nine matches, winning eight and drawing only one against Gujarat.
In the knockout stage, Vidarbha defeated Tamil Nadu in the second quarterfinal and then overcame the heavyweights Mumbai in the second semifinal, securing their place in the final of this prestigious tournament. Looking at their record in the last five matches, their stats show that they have won four matches and drawn only one.
| Team | Total Matches | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Drawn |
| Vidarbha | 09 | 08 | 00 | 01 |
Kerala Record in Ranji Trophy 2025
In the Ranji Trophy 2025, Kerala also delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. While their performance was not as dominant as Vidarbha’s, they remained quite consistent, finishing second in the group stage. They played a total of nine matches, winning only three but drawing six.
In the knockout stage, Kerala drew their match against Jammu & Kashmir in the first quarterfinal, as well as the first semifinal against Gujarat also. Despite not securing straight wins, they managed to secure a place in the final of this prestigious tournament. Looking at their record in the last five matches, their stats show the opposite of Vidarbha’s, as they have won only one match and drawn four.
| Team | Total Matches | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Drawn |
| Kerala | 09 | 03 | 00 | 06 |
Vidarbha vs Kerala Weather & Pitch Report
The weather conditions at this ground are perfect for cricket. On match day, the temperature is forecasted to be around 34°C with clear skies, which is a bit hot, especially for Test cricket. However, no bad weather is predicted, which is good news for both teams and players, ensuring a full match. Looking at the wicket, it appears to be batting-friendly, allowing the ball to come onto the bat with good pace and bounce until Day 3.
However, on Days 4 and 5, as the pitch wears down and cracks start to open up, bowlers will gradually come into play. Spinners can be more effective on the last two days as they could exploit the rough patches for turn, while pacers might find some reverse swing with the old ball.
The average first-innings score at this ground is 258, indicating that the team batting first will aim to capitalize on the fresh pitch to put up a strong total. By the fourth innings, the pitch is expected to become extremely difficult for batting. Therefore, the captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first.
| Temperature | 34°C |
| Weather Forecast | Clear Sky |
| Pitch Behaviour | First 2 days – Batting friendly Last 3 days – Bowling friendly |
| Best Suited To | Batting and bowling friendly both |
VID vs KER toss prediction: Vidarbha to win the toss and choose to bat first
Vidarbha is in great form in this tournament, having won eight out of their nine matches. Therefore, we expect that if the toss favors them, they would opt to bat first on this pitch to take advantage of the fresh wicket and put up a strong total in the first innings. This strategy would allow them to exploit the rough patches and cracks in the second and fourth innings, making full use of the conditions while bowling in the later phase of the game.
Vidarbha vs Kerala Squads
Vidarbha Full Squad
Akshay Wadkar © (wk), Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Yash Rathod, Harsh Dubey, Akshay Karnewar, Yash Kadam, Akshay Wakhare, Aditya Thakare, Shubham Kapse, Nachiket Bhute, Siddhesh Wath (wicketkeeper), Yash Thakur, Danish Malewar, Parth Rekhade, Karun Nair, Dhruv Shorey.
Kerala Full Squad
Sachin Baby ©, Rohan S.Kunnummal, Baba Aparajith, Vishnu Vinod (wk), Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Akshay Chandran, Shoun Roger, Jalaj Saxena, Salman Nizar, Aditya Sarwate, Basil Thampi, M.D. Nidheesh, N.P. Basil, N.M. Sharafuddeen, E.M. Sreehari.
India vs Pakistan Dream11 Prediction Playing 11
Vidarbha’s Playing 11
Atharva Taide, Dhruv Shorey, Parth Rekhande, Danish Malewar, Karun Nair, Yash Rathod, Akshay Wadkar © (wk), Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Thakur.
Kerala’s Playing 11
Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Varun Nayanar, Sachin Baby ©, Jalaj Saxena, Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Salman Nizar, Ahamed Imran, Aditya Sarwate, M.D. Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil.
Vidarbha vs Kerala Dream11 Prediction Impact Players List
Vidarbha’s impact players
- Yash Rathod
- Akshay Wadkar
- Harsh Dubey
Yash Rathod has been one of the most consistent run-scorers for Vidarbha in this tournament, amassing a whopping 967 runs in just nine matches at an average of 53.72. He has been in fabulous form in the Ranji Trophy 2025. Batting at number six for Vidarbha, he has still managed to score big runs.
In the semifinal against Mumbai, he contributed 54 runs in the first innings before displaying incredible batting skills in the second innings, where he played a match-winning knock of 151 runs, including 11 boundaries. This crucial inning helped Vidarbha put up a strong total and secure a win against the tournament heavyweights, Mumbai. Throughout the tournament, Yash has showcased a perfect display of batting, with a variety of scoring shots and a solid defensive technique, making him one of the most prolific batsmen for Vidarbha.
Akshay Wadkar, the wicketkeeper-batsman and captain of Vidarbha, is one of the most experienced players in the team. His long-standing association with Vidarbha makes him a crucial asset. Akshay has scored a total of 781 runs in 9 matches at an average of 48.81. In the semifinal, he made a vital contribution with the bat, scoring 34 runs in the first innings.
In the second innings, he played a resilient knock of 52 runs off 202 balls, showcasing his strong defensive technique and determination. His ability to hold the crease under pressure highlights his mindset and commitment to the game, making him a key player for the team.
Harsh Dubey, a left-arm spinner from Vidarbha, has displayed exceptional bowling skills this season. He has taken a total of 74 wickets in 9 matches at an impressive economy rate of just 2.79, demonstrating his control and skill set. In the semifinal against Mumbai, he claimed a total of seven wickets in the match, including a crucial five-wicket haul in the second innings. This performance solidified his role as a key figure in Vidarbha’s bowling attack. With Nagpur’s pitch expected to favor spinners, it will be interesting to see how well he performs in the final.
Kerala’s impact players
- Mohammed Azharuddeen
- Salman Nizar
- Jalaj Saxena
Mohammed Azharuddeen is a wicketkeeper-batsman from Kerala who has been in great form in this tournament, scoring a total of 641 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 71.22. As his name suggests, he plays with the same fearless batting style as the Indian cricketing legend Azharuddin.
He showcased his aggressive approach in the semifinal against Gujarat, where he played an incredible knock of 177 runs off 341 balls, including 20 boundaries and one maximum. His innings played a crucial role in helping Kerala draw the match and secure a place in the final. As the Ranji Trophy 2025 final approaches, all eyes will be on this talented wicketkeeper-batsman.
Salman Nizar, a lower middle-order batter for Kerala, has been in outstanding form this season, scoring a phenomenal 665 runs in nine matches at an excellent average of 83.13. In the semifinal, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and defensive technique, playing a classical Test knock of 52 runs off 202 balls, which helped shift the match in Kerala’s favor.
Jalaj Saxena is an exceptional all-rounder from Kerala who has been instrumental with the ball throughout this tournament, taking a total of 40 wickets in nine matches at a brilliant economy rate of 2.65. He possesses a wide range of variations, as he can bowl both off-spin and leg-break, making him a constant threat to batsmen.
His versatility has been a key factor in his success this season. In the semifinal against Gujarat, he took four wickets while maintaining a tight economy rate, restricting Gujarat to a low score. His performance played a crucial role in Kerala drawing the match and advancing to the Ranji Trophy 2025 final.
VID vs KER Dream11 Team Today Stats
Yash Rathod played a crucial role for Vidarbha in their semifinal clash. In the first innings, he contributed a solid 54 runs, providing stability in the middle order. However, it was in the second innings where he truly showcased his brilliance, scoring a match-winning 151 runs. His knock, which included 11 boundaries, was instrumental in helping Vidarbha post a strong total and secure victory against Mumbai.
Harsh Dubey was outstanding with the ball in Vidarbha’s semifinal. In the first innings, he picked up two crucial wickets, keeping the opposition in check. However, he made a greater impact in the second innings, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul. His ability to exploit the pitch conditions and consistently trouble the batsmen played a significant role in Vidarbha’s success.
Mohammed Azharuddeen was Kerala’s standout performer in the semifinal against Gujarat. He played a phenomenal innings, scoring a marathon 177 runs off 341 balls. His knock included 20 boundaries and one six, displaying both his patience and aggressive stroke play. His innings was crucial in ensuring that Kerala managed to draw the match and advance to the final.
Jalaj Saxena once again proved his worth as an all-rounder for Kerala. With the bat, he made valuable contributions, scoring 30 and 37 runs in both innings, showing resilience and composure. However, it was his bowling that made a significant impact, as he took four wickets while maintaining a tight economy rate. His efforts with both bat and ball played a crucial role in Kerala’s semifinal performance.
| Players | Players Stats (last match) |
| Yash Rathod (VID) | 54 Runs & 151 Runs |
| Harsh Dubey (VID) | 2 wickets & 5 Wickets |
| Mohammed Azharuddeen (KER) | 177 Runs |
| Jalaj Saxena (KER) | 30, 37 Runs & 4 Wickets |
Highest run scorers: Yash Rathod (VID)
Highest wicket taker: Jalaj Saxena (KER)
Hot Picks for VID vs KER Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips
Akshay Wadkar, Vidarbha’s captain and wicketkeeper-batsman, is a key player to watch out for in the final. His experience and leadership make him a vital asset to the team. In the semifinal against Mumbai, he played a crucial knock of 52 runs off 202 balls in the second innings, showcasing his resilience and ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
With 781 runs in the tournament at an impressive average of 48.81, Wadkar has been a consistent performer with the bat. His strong defensive technique and ability to absorb pressure make him a dependable option for fantasy teams. Additionally, his wicket keeping skills add extra value, making him a top pick for Vidarbha.
Salman Nizar has been a standout performer for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2025, making him a must-have in fantasy cricket teams. Batting in the lower middle order, he has been incredibly consistent, scoring 665 runs in just nine matches at a staggering average of 83.13. His ability to hold the innings together and play crucial knocks under pressure has been instrumental in Kerala’s journey to the final.
In the semifinal against Gujarat, he displayed remarkable patience and defensive skills, playing a crucial knock of 52 runs off 202 balls. His temperament and adaptability make him a reliable pick, as he can play both defensive and counter-attacking innings depending on the match situation.
Vidarbha’s hot pick: Akshay Wadkar
Kerala’s hot pick: Salman Nizar
Captaincy Picks for KER vs VID Dream11 Prediction
Yash Rathod is a great choice for captaincy in Dream11 because of his outstanding batting form in the tournament. He has scored 967 runs in just nine matches at an impressive average of 53.72. In the semifinal against Mumbai, he played a match-winning knock, scoring 151 runs in the second innings after a solid 54 in the first.
His ability to perform under pressure and score big runs makes him a reliable pick for fantasy teams. Since he bats in the middle order, he has the opportunity to play long innings and make a significant impact in the final.
Jalaj Saxena is an excellent all-rounder and a strong captaincy option in fantasy cricket. He has taken 40 wickets in nine matches while also making valuable contributions with the bat. In the semifinal against Gujarat, he scored 30 and 37 runs in both innings while also picking up four wickets.
His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a top choice, as he can earn fantasy points through both batting and bowling. With the pitch likely to assist spinners in the later stages of the match, he can be a game-changer for Kerala.
| Yash Rathod (VID) |
| Jalaj Saxena (KER) |
Top Picks for VID vs KER Dream11 Prediction
Harsh Dubey is one of the best bowlers for Vidarbha and a top pick for Dream11. The left-arm spinner has been in excellent form, taking 74 wickets in just 10 matches at an impressive economy rate of 2.79. In the semifinal against Mumbai, he played a key role by picking up a total of seven wickets, including a brilliant five-wicket haul in the second innings.
His ability to take wickets at crucial moments makes him a dangerous bowler, especially on a pitch that is expected to assist spinners as the match progresses.
Mohammed Azharuddeen is a top pick from Kerala because of his fantastic batting form. The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 641 runs in nine matches at a superb average of 71.22. In the semifinal against Gujarat, he played an incredible innings of 177 runs off 341 balls, helping Kerala secure a draw and advance to the final.
His aggressive yet composed batting style makes him a key player for his team. Additionally, as a wicketkeeper, he has the opportunity to contribute with catches and stumpings, adding more fantasy points to his name.
| Harsh Dubey (VID) |
| Mohammed Azharuddeen (KER) |
Budget Picks for Vidarbha vs Kerala Dream11 Prediction
Parth Rekhande is a left-arm off-spinner from Vidarbha who delivered a magical performance with the ball in the semifinal against Mumbai. He used his variations effectively to trouble the batsmen, picking up a total of six wickets in the match. In the first innings, he took four crucial wickets, putting Mumbai under pressure, and followed it up with two more in the second innings. His ability to extract turn and deceive batters makes him a valuable budget pick for the final of the Ranji Trophy 2025.
Aditya Sarwate is a slow left-arm off-spinner from Kerala who also impressed with the ball in the tournament. In the semifinal, he took four wickets at an excellent economy rate of 2.43, making it difficult for the batsmen to counter his spin. His accuracy and ability to control the game with tight bowling could make him a lethal option for Kerala in the final. Vidarbha’s batsmen will have to be cautious against him, as he has the skill to exploit the conditions and create trouble for the opposition.
| Parth Rekhande (VID) |
| Aditya Sarwate (KER) |
VID vs KER Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
Captain Options: Yash Rathod Jalaj Saxena
Yash Rathod is an excellent captaincy choice because of his consistent and impactful batting performances. He has scored 967 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 53.72, proving to be the backbone of Vidarbha’s batting lineup. In the semifinal against Mumbai, he played a match-winning knock, scoring 54 runs in the first innings and a brilliant 151 in the second. His ability to handle pressure and play long innings makes him a top pick for the captaincy.
Jalaj Saxena is a perfect captaincy option due to his all-round abilities. He has taken 40 wickets in nine matches and has also contributed valuable runs with the bat. In the semifinal against Gujarat, he scored 30 and 37 runs in both innings while also picking up four wickets. His dual role in the team allows him to earn points in both batting and bowling, making him a reliable choice for the captain position in Dream11.
Vice-Captain Options: Harsh Dubey & Mohammed Azharuddeen
Harsh Dubey is a top vice-captaincy option because of his exceptional bowling performances. The left-arm spinner has taken 74 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of just 2.79. In the semifinal against Mumbai, he picked up seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. With the pitch likely to assist spinners in the later stages, he can be a game-changer and provide crucial fantasy points.
Mohammed Azharuddeen is a strong vice-captain choice due to his explosive batting ability. The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 641 runs in nine matches at a fantastic average of 71.22. In the semifinal against Gujarat, he played a heroic knock of 177 runs off 341 balls, helping Kerala secure a draw and reach the final. His attacking mindset and consistency make him a valuable pick, as he can change the game with his batting.
| Captains | Yash Rathod & Jalaj Saxena |
| Vice-Captains | Harsh Dubey & Mohammed Azharuddeen |
VID vs KER Dream11 Prediction Team 1
This Dream11 team selection balances strong batting, all-round depth, and effective bowling options. Mohammed Azharuddeen and Akshay Wadkar are reliable wicket keepers who can contribute both behind the stumps and with the bat. Yash Rathod, Danish Malewar, Salman Nizar, and Karun Nair form a solid batting lineup, with Rathod and Nizar in excellent form, making them key run-scorers. Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate bring all-round abilities, providing both batting stability and wicket-taking potential. The bowling attack is well-rounded with Harsh Dubey, who has been Vidarbha’s standout spinner, alongside Yash Thakur, a reliable pace option, and Parth Rekhande, who showed his wicket-taking ability in the semifinal. This team ensures a mix of consistent performers, making it a strong fantasy cricket lineup.
- Keeper: Mohammed Azharuddeen, Akshay Wadkar
- Batters: Yash Rathod, Danish Malewar, Salman Nizar, Karun Nair,
- All-rounders: Jalaj Saxena, Aditya Sarwate,
- Bowlers: Harsh Dubey, Yash Thakur, Parth Rekhande
KER vs IND Dream11 Prediction Today (Final) Ranji Trophy 2025
Players to Avoid
Shubham Kapse is a right-arm pacer from Vidarbha, but he lacks experience in the Ranji Trophy, having played only three domestic matches so far. Vidarbha already has strong pace-bowling options, which makes it highly unlikely that he will get a chance to play in the final of the Ranji Trophy 2025. Most probably, he will serve as an extra player in the squad.
Vishnu Vinod is a wicketkeeper-batsman from Kerala, but he is the second-choice keeper for the team. With Mohammed Azharuddeen in excellent form as Kerala’s first-choice wicketkeeper, the chances of Vishnu making it into the playing XI for the final are very slim.
| Players | Dream 11 Credits | Dream11 Points |
| Shubham Kapse (VID) | – | – |
| Vishnu Vinod (KER) | – | – |
VID vs KER Dream11 Prediction Today (Final) Ranji Trophy 2025 Expert Advice
Captaincy Choice
Yash Rathod is the best choice for captaincy because of his incredible consistency with the bat. He has scored 967 runs in just nine matches at an impressive average of 53.72. His match-winning knock of 151 runs in the semifinal against Mumbai proved his ability to handle pressure on big occasions. As Vidarbha’s key batter, he will be expected to play another crucial innings in the final, making him a top fantasy pick.
Vice-Captaincy Choice
Mohammed Azharuddeen is a great choice for the vice-captain role due to his explosive batting and ability to turn the game around. He has been in excellent form, scoring 641 runs in nine matches at an average of 71.22. His heroic 177-run knock in the semifinal against Gujarat was a game-changing performance. As Kerala’s key batter, he will look to continue his fine form in the final.
Punt Picks
Dhruv Shorey and Sachin Baby are smart differential picks who can surprise with their performances. Dhruv Shorey is a technically sound batter capable of playing long innings, while Sachin Baby is an experienced middle-order batter who can anchor the innings and score crucial runs under pressure.
Both players showcased good cricket in the knockout stage of the tournament but were unable to convert their starts into big innings. They have the ability to change the course of the match, but currently, a big innings is missing from their bat. Selecting both in your team could be a high-risk, high-reward move—if they perform well, they can fetch huge returns, but if they fail to deliver, it could be a setback for your fantasy team.
The ideal Dream11 combination for this match is 2 wicketkeepers, 4 batters, 2 all-rounders, and 3 bowlers. This ensures a strong balance, with reliable wicketkeepers, in-form batters, impactful all-rounders, and a solid bowling attack. This structure gives the best chance of maximizing fantasy points in the final.
| Captaincy Choice | Yash Rathod (VID) |
| Vice-Captaincy Choice | Mohammed Azharuddeen (KER) |
| Punt Picks | Dhruv Shorey & Sachin Baby |
| Dream11 Combination | 2-4-2-3 |
Disclaimer: This team is based on the analysis, Calculated odds, and Past Experience of the author. While selecting your team, consider the analysis only as supporting data while making your own decision.