Kerala vs Tripura – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Match Preview (24 December 2025)

Match Details

• Teams: Kerala vs Tripura
• Date & Time: 24 December 2025, 03:30 GMT
• Venue: Gujarat College Ground, Ahmedabad
• Format: 50-over One-Day Match
• Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 – Group A
• Group Stage: Round Robin
• Broadcast: Available on JioHotstar and WB Suite

Team Form & Recent Performances

Kerala

Kerala has a strong record in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, often relying on a balanced team with good batting depth and aggressive bowling. In the 2024-25 season, they reached the semifinals, showcasing their ability to compete at the higher end of the competition. Key players like R Vinay Kumar and R Ashwin (if selected) bring experience, while young talents like Anuj Rawat and Suyash Sharma have emerged as consistent performers.

In their recent warm-up matches, Kerala has looked solid with the bat and have shown improvement in their death bowling. The team's ability to chase down targets has been a key strength, with the middle order providing crucial support.

Tripura

Tripura, while not as consistent as some of the top-tier teams, has had a few notable performances in the tournament over the years. They often rely on their spin department and have the ability to post competitive totals on slow pitches. Manoj Tiwary and Abhishek Das have been reliable performers for the team, and the emergence of Santanu Parui has added depth to their batting line-up.

In the 2024-25 season, Tripura struggled in the group stage but showed promise in a few matches, particularly against lower-ranked teams. Their recent practice games have seen them post good totals, though they have been inconsistent in the chase.

Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between Kerala and Tripura in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been relatively even in recent years. Over the last five meetings, Kerala has won three matches, while Tripura has secured two. The deciding factor in these matches has often been the quality of spin bowling and the ability of the lower order to hold the line.

Pitch & Venue Analysis

The Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad is a versatile venue that can suit all types of teams, depending on the weather and pitch conditions. Historically, it has been a batting-friendly track, with the average first-innings score hovering around 250. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, offering opportunities for spinners to play a key role.

With the match starting in the early hours, the dew factor could come into play during the chasing innings, making it a potential advantage for the side batting second.

Key Players to Watch

Kerala

• Suyash Sharma – The young opener has been in excellent form, scoring crucial runs at the top and anchoring the innings.
• R Vinay Kumar – The veteran leg-spinner is one of the most consistent bowlers in the tournament and could play a pivotal role with the ball.
• Abhimanyu Easwaran – A reliable middle-order batsman with a calm and composed approach.
• Sandeep Warrier – The all-rounder has been effective with both bat and ball and can turn the game in crucial moments.

Tripura

• Manoj Tiwary – The experienced opener has a knack for scoring big runs and is a key player for Tripura.
• Abhishek Das – A dependable middle-order batsman with a good strike rate.
• Santanu Parui – A rising star with the bat and a useful off-spinner who can trouble the opposition.
• Pankaj Das – The fast bowler has been effective in the powerplay and death overs.

Tactical Outlook

Kerala will look to capitalize on the batting-friendly nature of the pitch and set a competitive total. With Suyash Sharma and Abhimanyu Easwaran in good form, they will aim to post a score in the mid-250s and rely on their spinners to defend it. R Vinay Kumar and Sandeep Warrier could be key in the middle overs and death, respectively.

Tripura, on the other hand, will aim to win the toss and bat first, given their batting depth. Manoj Tiwary and Abhishek Das will be expected to anchor the innings, while Santanu Parui and Pankaj Das can provide late-order acceleration. If chasing, the dew could assist them in the second half of the innings.

Prediction

This match is expected to be a closely contested affair between two teams with contrasting styles but complementary strengths. Kerala’s experience and balanced squad give them a slight edge, but Tripura’s ability to perform on slow pitches cannot be overlooked.

Prediction: Kerala by 10-15 runs

Conclusion

The Kerala vs Tripura clash in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 is set to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to start their campaign on a positive note. With a competitive pitch and key players in form, this match promises to be a must-watch for cricket fans. Tune in at 03:30 GMT on 24 December to witness the action unfold at the Gujarat College Ground, Ahmedabad.
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