Ahmedabad, December 29, 2025: Madhya Pradesh (MP) are set to take on Kerala in a high-stakes Group A Vijay Hazare Trophy match at the Narendra Modi Stadium — a game that could go a long way in deciding which team tops the group and inches closer to the knockout stages of India’s premier domestic 50-overs tournament.
With MP undefeated so far, sitting atop the Elite Group A standings with 8 points and a healthy net run rate, and Kerala poised just behind with 4 points, this match promises to be a riveting tactical and physical contest. Both sides have shown aggressive intent and individual brilliance in the winter tournament that began late December 2025.
MP’s Impressive Start: Unbeaten Momentum
Madhya Pradesh have begun their 2025-26 Vijay Hazare campaign exceptionally well, winning both of their opening matches. They kicked off by chasing down a strong total from Rajasthan, asserting control with experienced batting depth.
Their next outing was a nail-biter against Tamil Nadu where a thrilling two-wicket win was built largely on a big second-wicket partnership between Yash Dubey (92) and Himanshu Mantri (90) that rescued MP from a tricky situation while chasing 281.
That victory not only kept their unbeaten streak alive, it demonstrated MP’s resilience under pressure — a key attribute in the compact but unforgiving group stage where one loss can dramatically complicate qualification hopes.
MP’s batting depth, featuring top-order contributions and experienced all-round abilities from players like Venkatesh Iyer, has been complemented by a bowling unit capable of taking early wickets and applying pressure in the middle overs. That balance has made them one of the most formidable teams in the Group A mix.
Kerala’s Pursuit: Key Players and Their Strategy
Kerala entered this match with mixed results — a win and a loss — but their net run rate is impressive, thanks to a big win early in the campaign. In one of their opening matches, they demolished Tripura’s bowling attack with a dominant 145-run victory after posting 348/8, showcasing some explosive batting firepower.
However, Kerala’s only defeat came in a match where they posted 284/7 against strong opposition but were unable to defend or chase the total. This shows that while they can be lethally aggressive, consistency is a question mark.
The team is expected to rely heavily on experienced campaigners such as Sanju Samson, who brings leadership and tactical maturity to the middle order, and dynamic batsmen like Vishnu Vinod. Emerging talents like Krishna Prasad give Kerala the depth required to challenge for a win against top-flight domestic sides.
Battle of Strategies: Pitch, Conditions, and Match Dynamics
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch in Ahmedabad has so far proved to be a balanced surface — offering fair assistance to both batters and bowlers depending on conditions and approach. Historically in the 50-over format, grounds where NMS has been used have supported competitive scores, with teams posting runs in excess of 280–300, and defenses proving crucial in the final overs of innings.
Toss may play a pivotal role. Kerala, according to live reports earlier on the match day, chose to bowl first, aiming to leverage early bowling conditions and chase the target — a strategy often used in domestic one-day games where dew or scoring under lights can favour batters later.
MP’s batting lineup has already shown that it can chase tough targets. Their ability to rebuild innings when early wickets fall — like in the Tamil Nadu match — could be crucial against Kerala’s disciplined bowling attack. Meanwhile, Kerala’s bowlers will aim to extract early breakthroughs to disrupt MP’s rhythm, especially targeting the top order.
Head-to-Head and Group Scenarios
Although MP have had a slight edge in head-to-head results, recent domestic clashes suggest that Kerala can never be taken lightly. Past seasons of Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophy encounters have often seen both sides exchanging momentum depending on conditions and player form.
Points standings before this match show MP and Karnataka both on eight points from two wins, while Kerala sits third with four points but a competitive net run rate. A win for MP will likely cement their position at the top of Group A and give them a clear path toward qualification. A victory for Kerala, on the other hand, will tighten the group and boost their chances of reaching the knockouts.
Player Focus: Who Could Make the Difference?
Yash Dubey & Himanshu Mantri
MP’s batting resurgence in their chase of Tamil Nadu highlighted the class and temperament of Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri. Both players showed a mix of aggression and calculated shot-making that helped steady the innings. Their form will be crucial if MP are to chase or set a strong total.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer, a big-hitting all-rounder with experience in franchise cricket, is expected to provide MP with middle-overs stability or late-innings acceleration. However, live match reports from the Kerala game indicate his dismissal early in the innings was a setback, underscoring the importance of contributions from others if Iyer falls cheaply.
Sanju Samson & Kerala’s Batting Lineup
Sanju Samson’s presence adds tactical acumen and a scoring brain to Kerala’s lineup. His ability to anchor or accelerate innings based on situations gives the team flexibility. Alongside players like Vishnu Vinod and Krishna Prasad, Kerala’s batting depth will be tested against MP’s varied bowling attack.
Match Progress: Live Picture and Tactical Shifts
According to live match updates early on December 29, MP’s batting struggled in the initial overs, with early wickets falling and the team attempting to rebuild. At one point, MP were reported at 117/7, with significant contributions from Himanshu Mantri, who rested unbeaten with a gritty innings — showcasing his ability to anchor under pressure.
Kerala’s bowlers, led by disciplined spells from Ankit Sharma and Aparajith, struck at key intervals, removing early threats including MP skipper Iyer. This shows that Kerala isn’t just a one-dimensional side — their bowling attack can extract crucial breakthroughs and keep top teams under control.
As the match progresses, the focus turns to the lower order for MP — with players like Tripuresh Singh offering late-innings hitting and depth in batting — and how Kerala approaches their chase once they step in. The match’s ebb and flow underscores that in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, momentum can shift quickly and decisive moments matter.
Broader Tournament Context
The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 features 38 teams across multiple host cities, with points and net run rates playing a vital role in group standings. In Elite Group B, teams like Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir lead their block, showing the competition’s depth across regions.
Consistent performance, strategic bowling changes, fielding discipline, and smart batting choices – especially while chasing totals — are essential components that teams must master to qualify. MP’s unbeaten run so far speaks to their all-round capability, but Kerala’s tactical batting and bowling variations mean nothing can be taken for granted.
What This Match Means for Fans and Stakeholders
Domestic cricket in India has grown significantly, with performances in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy watched closely by selectors, coaches, and cricket analysts.
Strong showings here can influence India A selections, zonal teams, and even IPL scout reports. Players pushing boundaries in List A cricket often graduate into higher honours — making every run, wicket, and catch meaningful beyond just the immediate result.
For fans, matches between teams like MP and Kerala provide a blend of competitive cricket and emerging talent showcase. The balanced nature of pitches, aggressive batting displays, and tactical bowling shifts make these games exhilarating additions to India’s domestic calendar.
Summary
In a tightly contested Vijay Hazare Trophy Group A fixture on December 29, 2025, Madhya Pradesh aimed to consolidate their unbeaten start and clinch top spot by taking on Kerala at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Riding on strong batting partnerships and well-rounded team performances, MP entered the match with confidence, while Kerala looked to utilise its blend of experience and strategic bowling to upset the table.
As the match unfolded, Kerala’s bowlers applied pressure early, while MP’s middle order tried to stabilise their innings — highlighting the drama and competitive spirit underlying India’s premier domestic one-day tournament.
