GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final Playing 11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Live Streaming

Jaymeet Patel and Jalaj Saxena [Source: @GCAMotera/X.com]

The semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season are set to commence on February 17. The four teams competing for a place in the final are Gujarat, Kerala, Vidarbha, and Mumbai. The 1st semi-final will be held between Gujarat and Kerala in the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 17. The live-action will begin at 9:30 AM IST.

GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final: Team Previews And Comparison

Gujarat

Gujarat will enter the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semi-final with high confidence as they take on Kerala in their quest for a spot in the final. This marks Gujarat's first semi-final appearance since the 2019-20 season. They secured their place in the last four with a commanding victory over Saurashtra, winning by an innings and 98 runs in the quarter-finals. 

Finishing second in Group B with four wins and three draws, Gujarat has showcased a balanced performance throughout the season. With momentum on their side, they will aim to overcome Kerala and move one step closer to their second Ranji Trophy title.

Kerala

Kerala will be eager to continue their impressive Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign as they face Gujarat in the semi-finals. Finishing second in Group C with three wins and four draws, Kerala has also displayed consistency throughout the season. 

They secured their place in the last four by edging past Jammu & Kashmir on a first-innings lead in the quarter-finals. With a solid mix of experienced players and young talents, Kerala will be determined to overcome Gujarat and make their maiden appearance in the Ranji Trophy final.

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GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final: Match Details And Live Streaming

GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final Pitch Report: How Will Surface At Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad Behave?

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad offers a slow-turning pitch that evolves significantly over five days. Early on, batters enjoy consistent bounce, while pacers rely on subtle seam and reverse swing. Spinners gain traction from Day 2, with turn and grip increasing as cracks widen. 

Nearing the fourth day, sharp turns, uneven bounce, and footmarks outside off-stump heavily favour spinners, while pacers can still exploit reverse swing. Teams usually prefer batting first to capitalize on early stability, but batting last can be risky. 

GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final: Playing XI Prediction

Gujarat's Probable XI: Urvil Patel (wk), Priyank Panchal, Aarya Desai, Manan Hingrajia, Vishal Jayswal, Siddharth Desai, Ravi Bishnoi, Priyajeet Narendrasinh Jadeja, Chintan Gaja (c), Jaymeet Patel, Arzan Nagwaswalla.

Kerala's Probable XI: Akshay Chandran, Rohan Kunnummal, Sachin Baby (c), Mohammed Azharuddeen (wk), Salman Nizar, Shoun Roger, Aditya Sarwate, Basil Thampi, MD Nidheesh, NP Basil, Jalaj Saxena.

GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final: Fantasy Tips And Key Players

• The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is a slow pitch that favours bowlers and can be a bit tricky for the batters in the later stages of the game.
• Hence, an all-rounder-heavy squad will help in better results while drafting a fantasy team.
• Must Pick: Jalaj Saxena has been a consistent performer for his team in this season of Ranji gathering 271 runs in 9 innings and 34 wickets in 13 innings. His all-around performance can bring in a bag full of fantasy points in the upcoming match.
• Jaymeet Patel, Gujarat's consistent batter is fresh off a scintillating ton against Saurashtra and has knocked a blistering 582 runs in his 13 innings. With his shiny records and sensational form, he can be a safe bet for fantasy players.
• Gujarat's Expected Key Players: Urvil Patel, Aarya Desai, Siddharth Desai, Ravi Bishnoi, Jaymeet Patel
• Kerala's Expected Key Players: Sachin Baby, Salman Nizar, Aditya Sarwate, Basil Thampi, Jalaj Saxena

GUJ vs KER 1st Semi-Final: Winner Prediction

Given the home conditions and recent team form with all players charged up, Gujarat is likely to win the 1st semi-final of the Ranji Trophy against Kerala.

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