India, March 2 -- The Ranji Trophy final witnessed a rare moment when Aditya Sarwate, a long-time Vidarbha player until last season, dismissed Karun Nair, a batter with deep Malayali roots, while representing Kerala. Nair, batting for Vidarbha, had anchored his side with a determined 135, steering them into a position of control. But in his attempt to push the scoring rate, he premeditated a charge down the track against Sarwate.

The seasoned left-arm spinner, well aware of Nair's aggressive approach, pulled his length back and got the ball to skid across the right-hander. Beaten in the flight, Nair was stranded well outside his crease as Kerala wicketkeeper Azharuddeen made no mistake in whipping off the bails.

It was a crucial breakth...