Ranji Trophy Final: Kerala Vs Vidarbha | Photo: PTI Ranji Trophy Final: Kerala Vs Vidarbha | Photo: PTI

India and Vidarbha's run-machine Karun Nair continued with his run-scoring spree in the Ranji Trophy with yet another century, his ninth of the season in the final against Kerala on Saturday, March 1. (Day 5 Blog | More Cricket News)

Nair, who ended day four of the Ranji Trophy final at 132 not out off 280 balls, hit 10 fours and two sixes. His patient innings saw Vidarbha stretch their lead to 286 in the second innings ahead of day 5 against Kerala.

Nair, who was overlooked by Indian selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has amassed nine centuries (in 30 innings) that has seen him tied up with India's stalwart VVS Laxman (nine centuries in 22 innings in 1999-00 season) as second-highest number of hundreds in a domestic season, with batting hero Sachin Tendulkar leading the charts with 10 centuries in 30 innings during the 1994-95 season.

73bet Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final Day 4: Karun Nair’s Unbeaten 132 Puts Vidarbha In Command Against Kerala

The Briton was initially included in the draw for the Beijing event, but confirmation of her withdrawal was revealed soon afterwards.

BY PTI

During the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, Nair is the fourth-highest run-getter with 863 runs at an average of 53.93 in 16 innings with four centuries and two fifties.

Nair's major highlights this season was the Vijay Hazare One-day tournament, where he top-scored with 779 runs in nine matches and eight innings with a eye-catching average of 389.50 and a strike rate of 124.04, that included five tons and a fifty.

Most Centuries Across FormatsKarun Nair sits joint second in the list. Photo: BCCI Karun Nair sits joint second in the list. Photo: BCCI

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Nair amassed 255 runs in six innings that included three fifties and a best score of 77.

With the Indian Test team in the doldrums with recent defeats to New Zealand and Australia, Nair has made a strong point for a call-up to the side. His last Test was back in 2017 against England at home. Moreover, he is the only triple centurion for India after Virender Sehwag.

Vidarbha vs Kerala Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Final Playing XIs

Vidarbha: Dhruv Shorey, Parth Rekhade, Danish Malewar, Karun Nair,66jogo Yash Rathod, Akshay Wadkar(w/c), Akshay Karnewar, Harsh Dubey, Nachiket Bhute, Darshan Nalkande, Yash Thakur

Kerala: Akshay Chandransoar777, Rohan Kunnummal, Sachin Baby(c), Jalaj Saxena, Mohammed Azharuddeen(w), Salman Nizar, Ahammed Imran, Eden Apple Tom, Aditya Sarwate, MD Nidheesh, Nedumankuzhy Basil