Bengal vs Saurashtra, Final at Kolkata, Ranji Trophy, Feb 16 2023 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Unadkat lifts the trophy, and invites Vasavada to do that too. Vasavada was stand-in captain when Unadkat was away. The Ranji Trophy sits in front of the entire team, before they lift it all and get into loud celebrations. That's it from us for the domestic season of 2022-23, which saw one full round of Ranji matches for the first time since 2019-20. Thanks for your company, as we head off for now! Take care.

Jaydev Unadkat speaks now: "Championships aren't won by one game. It's a long season. We put in a lot of work... won the Vijay Hazare. The guys have a lot of stability... everyone stood up when the team needed. It's not just about a couple of guys. You try to be smart in preparations... We worked on areas where we had to. I love playing for Saurashtra; it's so close to my heart. I feel an adrenaline rush."

Arpit Vasavada is the Player of the Series for his 907 runs: "I feel lucky that I performed when the team needed me. My strength is my defence, so I focus on that. We just had to walk on Unadkat's footsteps [when he was away]. I am happy I perform when my team needs me."

Saurashtra captain Jaydev Unadkat is the Player of the Match for match figures of 9 for 129

Manoj Tiwary collects the runners-up trophy: "Great season for us. I want to congratulate Jaydev Unadkat and his team. I want to thank BCCI for releasing him for this match... They set the precedent. It all started on day one when we lost the toss. There was moisture on the wicket. After that, we were never in the game. Sorry to all Bengal cricket lovers. It was heartening to see the way bowlers bowled."

Time for the presentations

Avinav P: "Elsewhere, Unadkat (who was released from the Test side) rejoined his Ranji side as Captain, took the title as well as 6 wickets in the final innings!"

Bengal continue to fumble despite making it so far: they lost the final in 2019-20, the semi-final in 2021-22 and now the final again. Saurashtra, on the other hand, have won two Ranji titles in three seasons now. Bengal are a side in transition - Dinda and Saha are gone already - with Tiwary being 37 and Majumdar being 38.

11.12am It was a repeat of the 2019-20 final, even in terms of the result. Unadkat continues to show the way for Saurashtra, even as Abishek Porel breaks down for Bengal. Ishan Porel is seen consoling him, while the rest of the Bengal side look almost shocked. Saurashtra get into a huddle, and yell their feelings out. There are cheers, clapping and celebrations in there.

Ranjit B: "Who could be more happy than Ravi Jadeja? Saurashtra winning here and him taking 7 wickets"

Vish Jadeja at No. 3

Deep from the other end

10.59am Welcome to the small chase. Just 12 to win.