Nidheesh MD: Kerala missed impact of Jalaj Saxena, Sarwate this season
There was an evident difference in strategy as Kerala pacer Nidheesh MD began proceedings on the final day of the Ranji Trophy match against Goa in Porvorim on Sunday.
Nidheesh, along with his new-ball partner Basil NP, bowled fuller compared to how they did in the first innings. Their overpitched approach reaped them rewards as they claimed four wickets in the opening hour, paving the way for Kerala’s nine-wicket win.
“I tried using the width of the crease, often going wide. But primarily, I tried to bowl fuller as there were some footmarks up front. We were hoping for something different to happen by doing that, and it did,” said Nidheesh, who ended the day with his ninth First-Class fifer.
“There was an extra motivation to win, and luckily, we got two early wickets. It also helped that we had a big lead. That took away a lot of pressure,” he added.
READ | Nideesh sets up Kerala’s consolation win over Goa
The pitch at the Goa Cricket Association Ground had a noticeable green coating on Day 1. But that didn’t translate to significant seam or swing movement for both sets of pacers. Nidheesh cited Goa’s dry weather as a potential reason.
“There was enough grass on the pitch. But there was no moisture due to the dry weather here. Even the day before the game, it looked dry. That helped run scoring early in the game. The ball was coming onto the bat nicely,” suggested the 34-year-old quick.
Despite the win over Goa, Kerala finished fifth in Group B, a significant drop-off from its performance in the 2024-25 season when it reached the final.
Nidheesh pointed out the departure of all-rounders Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate as a major reason for Kerala’s poor outing this season.
“We struggled to get results out of the home matches. We were missing the impact of two very experienced spinners [Saxena and Sarwate]. We failed to cover up for their contributions.
“In terms of batting, compared to last season, we were one step lower this time. But over the course of the season, I feel, we got onto the right track,” he added.
Despite his team underperforming, Nidheesh has enjoyed another fruitful campaign. He ended the season as Kerala’s highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy with 28 scalps.
“Personally, when I look at my numbers, I feel grateful. These numbers might give us a sense of satisfaction. But they only have relevance if the team wins. I agree that a five-wicket haul is a big deal. Ultimately, you get a better kick out of it only if the team succeeds. That’s how we can go to the next level,” said Nidheesh.
With 55 wickets across the last two Ranji seasons, Nidheesh can claim himself to be one of the consistent pacers in the Indian domestic circuit. Looking back, he believes his brief stint playing club cricket in England before the 2024-25 season was a pivotal phase of his career.
“I played for Radlett Cricket Club in Hertfordshire. I played 13 odd matches. It was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is something all cricketers must experience at least once in their career.
“I felt that my physique improved a lot while there – my eating habits changed, I lost a bit of weight, and training became much easier. I have stuck with those habits, and they seem to be helping,” added Nidheesh.
Published on Feb 01, 2026
