Cricket fans are in for a gripping contest as Madhya Pradesh and Kerala lock horns in a crucial Elite Group A fixture of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. The high-stakes encounter is scheduled for Monday at the world-class Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With both teams eyeing vital points, the match promises to be a spectacle of domestic cricket prowess.
Form Guide and Points Table Position
Madhya Pradesh enters this match with formidable momentum, boasting an unbeaten record in the tournament so far. They have secured two convincing victories, which have earned them 8 points. Their net run rate stands at an impressive +1.058. Their confidence is sky-high after a remarkable chase against Tamil Nadu, where they hunted down a target of 281 runs. The batting duo of Yash Dubey (92 runs) and Himanshu Mantri (90 runs) were the architects of that win, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.
Kerala, in contrast, has experienced a mixed beginning to their campaign. They have one win and one loss, giving them 4 points. Interestingly, their net run rate of +1.357 is currently higher than Madhya Pradesh's, largely due to the margin of their victory. Their last outing was a tough loss against Karnataka; despite posting a competitive 284 for 7, they lost by 8 wickets. This makes the upcoming match a must-win scenario for Kerala to get their campaign back on track and prove their mettle.
Key Players and Head-to-Head Analysis
The historical record between these two sides offers a slight edge to Madhya Pradesh, but with very few past encounters, the match remains wide open. Kerala will heavily depend on their strong middle-order, featuring the experienced Vishnu Vinod, the reliable Krishna Prasad, and their dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman and leader, Sanju Samson. Their pace attack will be led by KM Asif and Biju Narayanan.
Madhya Pradesh, on the other hand, will look towards the all-round capabilities of Venkatesh Iyer to provide balance. The batting stability will once again rest on the shoulders of the in-form Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri, who have already demonstrated their match-winning abilities.
Pitch and Conditions at Narendra Modi Stadium
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is renowned for providing a fair contest between bat and ball. The conditions are typically balanced, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. Historically, the pitch has been conducive to high scores, particularly for the team batting first. This means both captains will need to strategize meticulously at the toss. The match is expected to be a competitive clash where both pace and spin will play significant roles in determining the outcome.
This Group A fixture is more than just a league match; it's a battle for supremacy and a critical step towards the knockout stages. Madhya Pradesh will aim to protect their perfect record, while Kerala is desperate to bounce back. Cricket enthusiasts can expect a full-throttle encounter filled with strategic nuances and individual brilliance.
