In one of the most dramatic opening spells in recent Ranji Trophy history, Kerala’s pace attack dismantled Maharashtra’s top order, reducing them to 5/4 within 20 balls at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on October 15, 2025. The Elite Group B clash saw four Maharashtra batters dismissed for ducks, including Prithvi Shaw, who was making his much-anticipated debut for the state after switching from Mumbai.
Kerala’s new-ball duo of MD Nidheesh and Nedumankuzhy Basil ran riot under overcast conditions, exploiting the early morning moisture and lateral movement. The carnage began with Nidheesh trapping Shaw LBW for a four-ball duck, followed by the dismissal of Siddhesh Veer on the very next delivery. Basil joined the party by removing Arshin Kulkarni and captain Ankit Bawne, both without scoring, leaving Maharashtra stunned at 4/5 in just 3.2 overs.
🧠 Key Highlights from Kerala vs Maharashtra Ranji Trophy Clash
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Ranji Trophy 2025–26, Elite Group B |
| Venue | Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Date | October 15, 2025 |
| Maharashtra Score | 5/4 in 3.2 overs; 81/5 at Lunch |
| Kerala Bowlers | MD Nidheesh (3 wickets), Nedumankuzhy Basil (2 wickets) |
| Notable Dismissals | Prithvi Shaw, Siddhesh Veer, Arshin Kulkarni, Ankit Bawne |
The collapse was reminiscent of Kerala’s disciplined bowling displays in the 2023–24 season, where they finished runners-up.
📊 Timeline of Maharashtra’s Top-Order Collapse
| Over | Wicket Description |
|---|---|
| 0.4 | Prithvi Shaw LBW b Nidheesh (0) |
| 0.5 | Siddhesh Veer c Azharuddeen b Nidheesh (0) |
| 1.1 | Arshin Kulkarni c Kunnummal b Basil (0) |
| 2.3 | Ankit Bawne b Basil (0) |
| 3.2 | Saurabh Nawala LBW b Nidheesh (10) |
The scoreboard read 5/4 before Ruturaj Gaikwad and Jalaj Saxena attempted a recovery, taking Maharashtra to 81/5 at lunch.
🗣️ Reactions from Cricketing Circles
- Kerala Coach Tinu Yohannan: “This is the kind of start we dream of. The bowlers executed the plan perfectly.”
- Former India Opener Wasim Jaffer: “Shaw’s move to Maharashtra hasn’t started well, but it’s early days.”
- Fans on Social Media: “W, W, W, W, W! This is pure carnage.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Kerala Supporters | Jubilant over dream start |
| Maharashtra Fans | Shocked by top-order collapse |
| Cricket Analysts | Praised Kerala’s seam discipline |
| Selectors and Scouts | Monitoring Shaw’s form post-transfer |
Shaw’s dismissal was particularly disappointing given his recent century in a warm-up match against Mumbai.
🧾 Bowling Performance Snapshot – Kerala Seamers
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Nidheesh | 6 | 2 | 18 | 3 | 3.00 |
| Nedumankuzhy Basil | 5 | 1 | 14 | 2 | 2.80 |
The duo maintained tight lines and lengths, forcing errors from Maharashtra’s batters under pressure.
🧭 What to Watch in the Match Ahead
- Middle-Order Resistance: Can Gaikwad and Saxena stabilize the innings?
- Kerala’s Bowling Depth: Spinners yet to be introduced on a helpful surface
- Shaw’s Second Innings: All eyes on his response under pressure
- Weather Conditions: Overcast skies may continue aiding seamers
Kerala’s early dominance has set the tone for a potentially one-sided contest unless Maharashtra’s middle and lower order can script a turnaround.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified match reports, live commentary, and media coverage as of October 16, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute player evaluation, match prediction, or selection advice and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
