Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline

Introduction

Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s a culture. Among the numerous domestic rivalries that have evolved over the years, one that stands out for its balanced competitiveness is the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline. These two state-level teams have had multiple face-offs across domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This article offers an exhaustive account of their encounters, tracing their historical rivalry, statistical highlights, player performances, and match outcomes.

Whether you are a cricket fanatic, a sports historian, or just curious about state-level Indian cricket, this deep-dive into the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline is your one-stop resource.

A Brief Overview of Both Teams

Kerala Cricket Team

The Kerala cricket team represents the state of Kerala in India’s domestic cricket tournaments. Managed by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), it has grown significantly over the past two decades, producing players like Sanju Samson, Sreesanth, Basil Thampi, and Jalaj Saxena.

Gujarat Cricket Team

Representing the state of Gujarat, the team falls under the management of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). It has consistently been a strong contender in Indian domestic cricket. Gujarat won the prestigious Ranji Trophy in the 2016-17 season and has been home to talents like Parthiv Patel, Axar Patel, and Priyank Panchal.

Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline: First Encounter

The Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline began with their first match in the early 1990s during the Ranji Trophy. Both teams were still finding their footing in the domestic circuit.

Year: 1992
Venue: Ahmedabad
Result: Match drawn
Highlights:
- Kerala’s middle-order resistance by K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan.
- Gujarat’s Parthiv Patel (then a youngster) impressed with glove work and gritty batting.

This was the first mark in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline, indicating what would eventually become a competitive relationship.

Evolution Over the Years

The 2000s: A Balanced Decade

The matches during the 2000s reflected a balanced contest. Both teams had their moments.

Key Matches:

2003 Ranji Trophy:
- Gujarat won by 5 wickets.
- Hiten Patel scored a century.
- Kerala’s spinners struggled on a flat wicket.
2006 Encounter:
- Kerala bounced back with a 7-wicket win.
- Notable performance from Sreesanth with a five-wicket haul.

This decade saw the keyword Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline solidify as a balanced head-to-head.

Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline: Statistical Summary (Till 2025)

Metric	Kerala Wins	Gujarat Wins	Draws	Matches Played
Ranji Trophy	3	4	5	12
Vijay Hazare Trophy	2	3	0	5
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy	2	2	0	4
Overall	7	9	5	21

This statistical breakdown adds a key layer to the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline, showing that Gujarat has a slight upper hand.

Memorable Matches in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline

1. Ranji Trophy 2017 – The Game-Changer

Venue: Wayanad
Outcome: Kerala won by an innings and 45 runs
Top Performer: Jalaj Saxena (Match figures of 10/92)

This match remains a pivotal moment in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline. Kerala’s dominance and Saxena’s all-round show grabbed national attention.

2. Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019 Clash

Venue: Rajkot
Result: Gujarat won by 3 wickets
Top Performer: Axar Patel’s all-round effort

This match added a competitive edge to the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline, with both teams playing aggressive cricket.

3. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021

Kerala: 174/6
Gujarat: 168/8
Result: Kerala won by 6 runs
Highlight: Sanju Samson’s explosive 62 off 30 balls

A thriller that became a defining chapter in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline.

Star Performers in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline

Kerala’s Key Players

Sanju Samson
- Fast scoring in T20s
- Multiple half-centuries in this rivalry
Jalaj Saxena
- Impact in both batting and bowling
- Crucial in the 2017 Ranji win
Sreesanth
- Bowled fiery spells in the mid-2000s

Gujarat’s Top Contributors

Parthiv Patel
- Veteran leadership
- Consistent scorer
Axar Patel
- Economical in T20s
- Handy with the bat in lower order
Priyank Panchal
- Reliable in the Ranji format

Playing Conditions and Venues

Over the years, the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline has featured a variety of conditions.

Common Venues:

Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram – Spin-friendly
Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad – Batting paradise
Kozhikode and Wayanad grounds – Slow pitches, favoring bowlers

Understanding the playing surface is essential when analyzing the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline.

Coaches and Management Influence

Kerala

Under the leadership of coach Tinu Yohannan in the late 2010s, Kerala saw a renaissance. Discipline and youth development were key.

Gujarat

The Gujarat Cricket Association’s focus on infrastructure and grooming has paid off. Their Ranji win in 2016-17 gave them serious momentum in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline.

Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline: Fanbase and Rivalry Culture

While not a traditional rivalry like Karnataka vs Tamil Nadu, the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline has gained a cult following due to close finishes and passionate local fans.

Social media hashtags such as #KeralaVsGujarat and #StateClash trend whenever these teams meet, showcasing their growing importance in domestic cricket.

Recent Encounters (2023–2025)

Ranji Trophy 2024

Venue: Ahmedabad
Result: Draw
Highlight: Both teams posted 400+ scores, showcasing batting depth.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024

Winner: Kerala
MVP: Rohan Kunnummal’s 103 off 88 balls

The Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline continues to thrill fans with such matches.

Future of the Rivalry

With emerging talents like Vathsal Govind (Kerala) and Het Patel (Gujarat), the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline is only set to grow. Both cricket associations are investing heavily in youth, fitness, and analytics, which promises an even more exciting rivalry ahead.

Live telecasts and streaming on platforms like Hotstar and JioCinema have brought more visibility to state-level rivalries. The Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline has garnered increasing views and engagement, with commentators often highlighting the competitive balance.

Conclusion

The Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline is a fascinating chapter in Indian domestic cricket. Though not as hyped as other rivalries, it brings together two highly competitive sides with passionate fanbases, talented players, and a history full of drama and determination.

From drawn matches to one-sided affairs, from fiery bowling spells to explosive batting, this timeline has it all. As Indian cricket continues to grow, this rivalry too is evolving into a contest of equals, promising more thrill and brilliance in the years to come.

FAQ: Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team Timeline

Q1: When did Kerala and Gujarat first face off in cricket?
A: Their first known Ranji Trophy encounter was in 1992.

Q2: Who has the upper hand in the Kerala Cricket Team vs Gujarat Cricket Team timeline?
A: Gujarat leads slightly in overall wins.

Q3: Who are some top performers from both teams in this rivalry?
A: Sanju Samson and Jalaj Saxena for Kerala; Parthiv Patel and Axar Patel for Gujarat.

Q4: Has either team won the Ranji Trophy?
A: Gujarat won in 2016–17; Kerala is yet to win.

Q5: Where can fans watch their matches?
A: Matches are broadcast on Star Sports and streamed online via Hotstar and JioCinema.

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