Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Karun Nair and Devdutt Padikkal Hit Twin Tons as Karnataka Crush Kerala in Ahmedabad Thriller

The defending champions, Karnataka, continued their formidable run in the 2025-26 edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, securing a dominant eight-wicket victory over their southern neighbors, Kerala. Played at the Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground in Ahmedabad on December 26, 2025, the match was a masterclass in composed run-chasing. Following a record-breaking opening performance against Jharkhand where they chased down a mammoth 413, the Mayank Agarwal-led side proved that their batting depth is currently unparalleled in Indian domestic cricket. The victory was anchored by two sensational centuries from the seasoned Karun Nair and the in-form Devdutt Padikkal, who together neutralized Kerala’s competitive total of 284 for 7.

The encounter began with Mayank Agarwal winning the toss and electing to field first, a decision that has become a staple of Karnataka’s tactical approach this season. Despite an early wobble from the Kerala top order, the visitors managed to post a respectable total on a pitch that offered some early assistance to the seamers before flattening out. However, the 285-run target proved insufficient against a Karnataka lineup brimming with confidence. The chase was completed with 10 balls to spare, marking Karnataka’s second consecutive win in Elite Group A and solidifying their position at the top of the points table.

For Kerala, the match was a bitter pill to swallow after a strong start to their campaign. Despite the heroics of Mohammed Azharuddeen, who played a blistering unbeaten knock to lift his side late in the innings, the bowling unit struggled to find answers for the 223-run second-wicket partnership between Nair and Padikkal. The loss serves as a tactical reminder for the Kerala management regarding the middle-overs control required to defend totals against high-caliber batting units. The rivalry, often referred to as the “Southern Derby” in domestic circles, once again lived up to its reputation for high-scoring drama and individual brilliance.

Match Analysis: How Karnataka Mastered the 285-Run Chase

The narrative of the match shifted dramatically after the first few overs of the second innings. Karnataka’s chase began on a disastrous note when skipper Mayank Agarwal was trapped leg-before-wicket by Akhil Scaria for just 1 run in the second over. At 1 for 1, Kerala felt they were in with a genuine chance to rattle the champions. However, Karun Nair joined Devdutt Padikkal at the crease, and what followed was a clinical exhibition of List A batting. The duo prioritized rotating the strike and punishing anything short or wide, ensuring the required run rate never climbed beyond their reach.

Karun Nair, who has been in sublime form across formats this season, reached his ninth List A century with a boundary toward the fine-leg region. His 130 not out came off 130 deliveries, perfectly balancing aggression with caution. On the other end, Devdutt Padikkal continued his run-scoring spree, notching his second consecutive hundred of the tournament. Padikkal’s 124 off 137 balls was a testament to his fitness and focus, as he rarely looked troubled by the Kerala spin twins, Baba Aparajith and Ankit Sharma. By the time Padikkal was dismissed by MD Nidheesh in the 41st over, the result was a foregone conclusion.

The final touches were provided by Smaran Ravichandran, who played a quick-fire cameo of 25 from 16 balls to ensure the net run rate remained healthy. The ease with which Karnataka approached the target suggested a deep-seated tactical understanding of the Ahmedabad conditions. The pitch, which had favored the bowlers during the first hour of play, became a batter’s paradise under the afternoon sun. Karnataka’s ability to adapt their tempo—slowing down when the ball was moving and accelerating once the shine wore off—was the defining factor of the second innings.

Key Statistical Highlights and Performance Milestones

The third-round clash between Karnataka and Kerala was a record-breaking affair that highlighted several individual and team achievements:

• Karun Nair’s Masterclass: Nair’s unbeaten 130 was his ninth century in List A cricket. His ability to anchor the innings allowed Padikkal to play with freedom, and he was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his flawless strike rotation and boundary hitting.
• Devdutt Padikkal’s Century Streak: Following his match-winning 147 against Jharkhand, Padikkal’s 124 against Kerala made him the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s early stages. He is currently averaging over 130 in the 2025-26 season.
• Record Second-Wicket Stand: The 223-run partnership between Nair and Padikkal is one of the highest for any wicket in Karnataka’s List A history. It effectively took the game away from Kerala during the middle overs where they failed to pick up a single wicket for nearly 40 overs.
• Mohammed Azharuddeen’s Late Surge: The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter smashed 84* off just 58 balls, including four towering sixes. His strike rate of 144.82 was the highest in the match, providing Kerala with a fighting total after they were reduced to 185 for 7.
• Abhilash Shetty’s Impact: The left-arm pacer Abhilash Shetty was the pick of the bowlers for Karnataka, finishing with 3 for 52. He broke the back of the Kerala top order by dismissing the dangerous Rohan Kunnummal and Abhishek Nair in quick succession.
• Points Table Standing: With this win, Karnataka moved to 8 points from two matches with a net run rate of +0.323. They currently sit in the second spot in Group A, just behind Madhya Pradesh on NRR.

Kerala’s Batting Struggle and Azharuddeen’s Lone Resistance

Earlier in the day, Kerala’s innings was a story of two halves. The start was far from ideal as they lost both openers, Abhishek Nair and Ahammed Imran, within the first four overs to the moving ball. Captain Rohan Kunnummal tried to stabilize the innings with a cautious 12 off 21 balls but fell to a sharp catch by Krishnan Shrijith off the bowling of Abhilash Shetty. At 49 for 3, Kerala looked in danger of being bowled out for a sub-200 total before senior pro Baba Aparajith and Vishnu Vinod initiated a recovery.

Aparajith’s 71 was a gritty knock that held the innings together during the difficult middle-over phase. He used his feet well against the spinners, particularly Shreyas Gopal, but his dismissal in the 25th over triggered another mini-collapse. Kerala slipped from 126 for 3 to 185 for 7, as Vidwath Kaverappa and Shreyas Gopal capitalized on the pressure. The lack of a steady middle-order partnership meant that the lower order had to play with extreme caution, which allowed Karnataka to keep the run rate under 5 per over for a significant portion of the innings.

The momentum finally shifted when Mohammed Azharuddeen took charge. Known for his explosive T20 style, Azharuddeen adapted brilliantly to the 50-over format, targeting the death overs to accumulate runs. His partnership with MD Nidheesh (34* off 47) added 99 runs for the eighth wicket, a record stand for Kerala against Karnataka for that position. Azharuddeen’s ability to clear the ropes in the final five overs propelled the total to 284, giving his bowlers something substantial to defend. However, despite the late fireworks, the lack of runs from the top order proved to be Kerala’s undoing.

Strategic Insights: The Importance of List A Cricket in 2026

The 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy is being viewed with heightened importance by the BCCI and national selectors. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon and a home series against New Zealand scheduled for early 2026, performances in the 50-over domestic tournament are being tracked more closely than ever. Players like Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair are using this platform to stake their claims for a national recall, especially with several senior spots potentially opening up in the white-ball transition phase.

The tactical evolution of the game was also on display in this match. Karnataka’s use of Abhilash Shetty as a left-arm variation and their reliance on Shreyas Gopal’s leg-spin to control the tempo are strategies mirrored by the national team. For Kerala, the reliance on multi-skilled players like Baba Aparajith and Akhil Scaria reflects the modern need for long batting tails. However, as this match demonstrated, the fundamental requirement for a successful List A side remains a top order capable of playing long, substantial innings—a feat Karnataka achieved through Nair and Padikkal.

The Ahmedabad venue itself played a role in the tactical battle. The Narendra Modi Stadium complex, known for its variety of pitches, provided a “red soil” surface that offered bounce and turn. While the seamers dominated early, the spinners found purchase as the match progressed. Karnataka’s bowlers were slightly more disciplined in their lengths, conceding fewer extras than Kerala, which in a game decided by small margins, made a significant difference. The ability of the defending champions to consistently perform under different conditions is why they remain the team to beat this season.

Defending Champions’ Road Ahead: Can Karnataka Secure a Hat-Trick?

Karnataka’s victory over Kerala has sent a clear message to the rest of the teams in Elite Group A. Having successfully navigated two of the toughest fixtures in the group—against Jharkhand and Kerala—the Mayank Agarwal-led side is now a favorite to qualify for the knockouts as group leaders. Their next matches against Tripura and Rajasthan offer an opportunity to further boost their net run rate and test their bench strength. The management has already hinted at giving opportunities to younger players like Aneesh KV and KL Shrijith in the upcoming rounds.

The depth of this Karnataka squad is what sets them apart. Even on a day when their captain and star opener Mayank Agarwal failed, two other batters stepped up to score centuries. This redundancy in talent ensures that a single failure doesn’t derail the team’s momentum. Furthermore, the bowling attack, led by the experienced Shreyas Gopal and the emerging Abhilash Shetty, looks balanced enough to take wickets in various phases of the game. If they maintain this level of consistency, a third consecutive title is well within their reach.

For Kerala, the path to the knockouts has become slightly more complicated. With one win and one loss, they must win their remaining group matches to stay in contention. The form of Mohammed Azharuddeen and Baba Aparajith is a positive sign, but they need more consistent contributions from their opening pair. Captain Rohan Kunnummal will be under pressure to lead from the front with the bat in the next round. The Elite Group A is proving to be a “Group of Death,” and Kerala cannot afford many more slips if they want to progress beyond the preliminary stage.

Pro Tips for Following Domestic Cricket in India

Understanding the nuances of tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy requires looking beyond just the scorecards. Here are some expert tips for fans to better enjoy and analyze Indian domestic cricket:

• Track the Venue Soil Type: Indian stadiums use different soils (Red vs. Black). Red soil pitches, like those often seen in Ahmedabad or Mumbai, offer more bounce and turn for spinners, while black soil pitches tend to stay lower and favor slow bowlers.
• Monitor the “Impact” Players: In List A cricket, look for players who contribute in multiple facets. A bowler who can bat at number 8 (like Kerala’s MD Nidheesh) often changes the dynamic of a chase more than a specialist who doesn’t contribute with the bat.
• Follow the Multi-Day Transitions: Players often come into the Vijay Hazare Trophy directly after the Ranji Trophy. Note how batters like Karun Nair adjust their “defensive” mindset from red-ball to the “aggressive” strike-rotation needed in white-ball cricket.
• Check the Toss Trends: In morning starts in India, the first hour usually favors seamers due to moisture. Teams that survive the first 10 overs without losing more than one wicket are significantly more likely to post 300+ totals.
• Watch the Emerging Left-Armers: There is currently a high demand for left-arm pacers in the Indian national setup. Tracking the progress of bowlers like Abhilash Shetty provides insight into who the next breakout stars might be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the result of the Karnataka vs Kerala Vijay Hazare Trophy match?

Karnataka won the match by 8 wickets. They successfully chased down Kerala’s total of 284/7, reaching 285/2 in 48.2 overs thanks to centuries from Karun Nair and Devdutt Padikkal.

Who was the Player of the Match in the Karnataka vs Kerala 2025 clash?

Karun Nair was named the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 130 runs off 130 balls. His steady innings ensured that Karnataka chased the target with ease despite the early loss of their captain.

How many centuries has Devdutt Padikkal scored in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy?

As of December 26, 2025, Devdutt Padikkal has scored two consecutive centuries. He scored 147 against Jharkhand in the first round and 124 against Kerala in the second round.

Where are the Group A matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy being played?

The Elite Group A matches for the 2025-26 season are being held across various grounds in Ahmedabad, including the Narendra Modi Stadium complex and the Gujarat College Ground.

What is the qualification criteria for the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts?

The top teams from each Elite Group (A to E) automatically qualify for the quarterfinals. The remaining spots are filled by the best second-placed teams based on points and Net Run Rate (NRR) across all groups.

Who is the current captain of the Karnataka and Kerala teams?

Mayank Agarwal is the captain of Karnataka, while Rohan Kunnummal leads the Kerala side in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign.

Conclusion

The clash between Karnataka and Kerala in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy served as a vivid demonstration of why Karnataka remains the benchmark for excellence in Indian domestic cricket. While Kerala showed flashes of brilliance through Mohammed Azharuddeen’s lower-order assault and Baba Aparajith’s steadying hand, they were ultimately undone by a lack of top-order consistency and a clinical response from the defending champions. The twin centuries by Karun Nair and Devdutt Padikkal were not just individual milestones but part of a larger tactical execution that emphasized strike rotation, gap-finding, and psychological dominance. As the tournament progresses, Karnataka’s batting depth and bowling variety make them the primary contenders for the title once again. For Kerala, the road ahead requires a more balanced approach, ensuring that their talented top order provides the necessary platform for their explosive finishers. With the national selectors watching closely in this World Cup cycle, the performances in Ahmedabad have set a high bar for the rest of the competition.