Talk of sports performances and Kerala and what would come to one’s mind if not for disciplines like athletics, football and volleyball straightway. That’s how it has been with legends like P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, Valsamma, Sathyan, Pappachan, I.M. Vijayan or Jimmy George, to name just a few from the many, capturing the imagination of the sports fans. But a stunning change has come about, thanks to the state’s cricketers! Unbelievable it may sound but cricket, a sport that refused to make it big at one time, has now demanded attention after the Sachin Baby-led state team did what seemed the impossible, reaching the final of the Ranji Trophy cricket championship. You have read it right! Disbelief is what struck one as the news trickled in that Kerala surpassed Gujarat by just 2 runs in the first innings, which proved enough to win the semi-final and make a historic entry into the summit round. A great day indeed but a greater moment awaits as the final against Vidarbha to take place soon will determine whether the excitement level will reach the crescendo with actual trophy coming to the state!

As it turned out, this was not the first time that Kerala cricket had caught the eye. A few years ago, in 2018-19, the state had progressed to the semi-finals and a year prior to that it had been in the quarter final. What is more back in 1994-95 Kerala had qualified for the knockout stage for the first time. So, there have been positives but there is no denying a phase when it appeared cricket in the state was destined to take the back seat. Still, the attachment to this sport had........

© Mathrubhumi English