The ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group B clash between Kerala and Maharashtra at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, witnessed an early moment of brilliance as Rohan Kunnummal pulled off a sensational catch to dismiss Maharashtra opener Arshin Kulkarni. Kerala’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely, as their bowlers wreaked havoc on the visiting side’s batting unit.

Rohan Kunnummal’s sensational catch to remove Arshin Kulkarni

The highlight of the morning session came on the very first ball of the second over, bowled by right-arm pacer Nedumankuzhy Basil. He delivered one from slightly wide of the crease, angling in towards off stump. Kulkarni went for a tentative defensive shot, looking to smother the bounce, but the ball kicked up sharply off the pitch, catching the thick outside edge of his bat.

What followed was pure athleticism and reflexes. Positioned at third slip, Rohan dived full stretch to his right, snatching the ball inches above the ground to complete a spectacular catch. The Kerala players erupted in joy as Kulkarni walked back for a duck, while Rohan’s effort quickly went viral across social media.

Here’s the video:

What. A. Catch 🔥

Rohan Kunnummal pulls off a fantastic catch to dismiss Arshin Kulkarni 👌👌

Kerala have picked up 4⃣ wickets inside first four overs 👌

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/cPhhlpdzpw#RanjiTrophy | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/wO5msAyCGC

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 15, 2025

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Kerala on top as Maharashtra batters falter early

Kerala’s bowling attack made full use of the early morning conditions, extracting both pace and movement off the surface. Basil’s relentless accuracy and MD Nidheesh’s ability to hit the right areas kept Maharashtra under constant pressure. Within the first hour, the visitors were reduced to 5 for 53 in just 17 overs.

Nidheesh emerged as the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets, while Basil chipped in with two important scalps. Maharashtra’s top order struggled to settle against the disciplined Kerala seamers.

At the end of 19 overs, Maharashtra found themselves in deep trouble at 54 for 5, with Ruturaj Gaikwad batting on 16 and Jalaj Saxena (21*) trying to steady the innings. The pair will need to build a strong partnership to guide their team towards a respectable total.

For Kerala, this strong start has set the tone for the rest of the match. The home side will aim to capitalize on their early breakthroughs and restrict Maharashtra to a modest first-innings score. A few more quick wickets could tilt the game decisively in their favour.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra will be hoping for a revival led by their experienced campaigners. With conditions still offering movement to the seamers, patience and application will be key for the batters if they wish to stay in the contest.

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