Gurugram: Karnataka emerged victorious in a heart-stopping Super Over finish to clinch the 8th IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy – Men’s National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2025, defeating Delhi by just one run in the grand finale at Tau Devi Lal Stadium.
Organised under the aegis of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and supported by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, the tournament once again showcased the growing professionalism and competitive spirit of blind cricket in India.
A grand finale packed with drama
The final delivered high-intensity action befitting a national championship. Batting first, Delhi posted a formidable 216/6 in 20 overs. Captain Manish Kumar led from the front with a commanding 79 off 46 balls, while Irfan (B1 category) added a fluent 70 off 44 deliveries, ensuring Delhi finished strongly.
In response, Karnataka produced an extraordinary batting display, finishing at 216/0 in their allotted 20 overs. Sunil Ramesh (B3 category) played a sensational knock of 145 off 79 balls at a strike rate of 183.54, anchoring the chase with remarkable composure and aggression. Lokesha supported him effectively with 56 off 41 balls, as Karnataka matched Delhi run for run.
With scores level at 216, the final was pushed into a Super Over, heightening tension among players and spectators alike. Delhi managed 10 runs in their Super Over. Karnataka, holding their nerve in a pressure-filled moment, scored 11 runs to seal the title in dramatic fashion and lift the championship trophy.
Sunil Ramesh was named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings and received a cash award of ₹10,000.
Tournament honours and prize distribution
The Players of the Series awards were presented to Sanjay Kumar Shah (B1), Rambir Singh (B2), and Sunil Ramesh (B3) for their consistent performances across the tournament. Each received ₹20,000 in recognition of their contribution in the 73-match competition that featured 29 teams from across India.
The championship-winning Karnataka team was awarded ₹1,50,000, while runners-up Delhi received ₹1,25,000. The prize structure reflects the increasing stature and recognition of blind cricket at the national level.
A platform for excellence and inclusion
The IndusInd Bank Nagesh Trophy continues to be India’s premier domestic tournament for blind cricket, offering a competitive platform for visually impaired cricketers from across the country. The 2025 edition demonstrated the sport’s remarkable growth in scale, organisation, and quality of play.
CABI, in partnership with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, has been instrumental in building structured pathways for blind cricketers, from grassroots engagement to elite national tournaments. Their sustained efforts have strengthened India’s position as a global leader in blind cricket.
Leadership perspective
Reflecting on the final, Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Founder and Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Chairman of CABI, described the match as one of the most thrilling encounters he has witnessed in his decades-long association with blind cricket.
He congratulated both Karnataka and Delhi for elevating the standards of the game and revealed plans to further professionalise the sport through a structured franchise-based league, aimed at creating more opportunities for visually impaired athletes nationwide.
A defining moment for blind cricket
The Super Over finish not only crowned Karnataka as champions but also underscored the resilience, skill, and competitive spirit that define blind cricket in India. The tournament stood as a powerful testament to inclusion through sport, reinforcing that excellence knows no barriers.
With a final that will be remembered for years to come, the 8th edition of the Nagesh Trophy has set a new benchmark for national-level blind cricket competitions in the country.