In the modern generation of cricket, maiden over has become a rare phenomenon. But in a heart-stopping climax to the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Elite Group match, Maharashtra's Ramakrishna Ghosh scripted cricketing folklore with a maiden over in the final over against Goa.
On January 8, 2026, at Dr. Soni Stadium in Jaipur, Ghosh defended just 6 runs needed, clinching a thrilling 5-run victory and electrifying fans nationwide. Not just one, he bowled one without conceding one run in the 48th over as well.
Maharashtra, led by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, won the toss and posted 250 batting first. Goa raced close, needing 11 off the last three overs, but Ghosh struck first with a maiden in the 48th. His composure peaked in the ultimate over-dot balls
sealed the win. Overall, the 28-year-old CSK retainer bowled 10 overs for 35 runs and 1 wicket, including two maidens, turning near-defeat into triumph.
While speaking with MyKhel in an exclusive chat, Ramakrishna credited the conditions and depicted how they curated the plan to bowl in the final two overs.
"Honestly, it was a great moment, though the conditions favoured me. I remember the 48th over against Goa with nine wickets down, the last wicket standing. The batters were under immense pressure, playing cautiously, which helped me bowl those two maidens. We were hunting the wicket, with 11 runs needed off the last 18 balls or so. Ruturaj told me, 'Just go for the wicket, don't worry about the runs. It's the No. 11 batsman on strike. '"
"We set a Test-match-like field: short leg, slip, everything close. Taking a single was tough, so he was just surviving. We nearly got him that over, but it went to the last. Lalit Yadav was facing me and he tried to attack, but the ball was reversing sharply, the pitch had low bounce, typical for northern India. Ruturaj reinforced the plan, as the No. 11 was at non-striker's end, he was not taking any singles. It was either a boundary, double, or six. I executed, and it worked. "
Ramakrishna is part of the Chennai Super Kings setup for the IPL 2026 after his retention from last season. And the all-rounder speaks highly about the captain Ruturaj, who has been a constant in his cricketing journey in recent times.
"It's been fantastic playing under Ruturaj, both for Maharashtra and now retained with him at Chennai Super Kings. He's incredibly calm-headed and practical. Unlike some captains who get emotional or frustrated on the field, Ruturaj stays calculated. "
"For bowlers, it's ideal-no excessive pressure, just simple instructions. He keeps the game in his mind, knowing exactly whom to use and when. On flat tracks, even if a good ball gets hit, he says, 'Never mind-it matched the field. Execute the next one. ' He is kind of an ideal captain to have," Ramakrishna says.
The CSK all-rounder has had a stellar outing with the ball in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, picking up 16 wickets, while he also scored two decent half-centuries in the tournament. Although the IPL 2026 is a key tournament to focus on, the Bengali from Nashik has his immediate attention on the Ranji Trophy, which will commence soon.
