Sourav Ganguly retired in November 2008. Four years later, Rahul Dravid ended his 16-year career. VVS Laxman left months after, followed by Sachin Tendulkar in November 2013. Eleven months later, Virender Sehwag retired. This gradual transition has long been Indian cricket’s norm. Seniors step back due to form and reflexes, allowing youngsters to take over….
Ranji Trophy – India’s Premier First-Class Cricket Championship
The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, established in 1934 and named after cricket legend Ranjitsinhji. Administered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it serves as the foundation of India’s domestic cricket structure and has been instrumental in producing world-class cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli.
History and Evolution
The Ranji Trophy began in 1934 with 15 teams and has since grown into a robust competition involving 38 teams from across the country. Originally a zonal knockout format, it evolved into a league-based structure to ensure fair competition and more match exposure.
Over the decades, the tournament has undergone several structural changes, adapting to the growing depth of Indian cricket talent.
Format and Structure
As of the latest edition, the Ranji Trophy features:
38 teams divided into four groups (Elite and Plate divisions)
Round-robin league format in the group stage
Top teams qualify for the knockout rounds including quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final
Each match is played over four days in the group stages and five days for the final.
Points System
The points system in the Ranji Trophy rewards both outright wins and first-innings performances:
Outright Win: 6 points
Win with bonus point (innings or 10-wicket win): 7 points
Draw with first innings lead: 3 points
Draw with first innings deficit: 1 point
Loss: 0 points
Participating Teams
The competition features state teams, union territories, and government institution teams like:
Most Runs in a Season: VVS Laxman – 1415 runs (1999-2000)
Most Wickets in a Season: Ashutosh Aman – 68 wickets (2018–19)
Youngest Centurion: Sachin Tendulkar (aged 15 years and 232 days)
Recent Winners
2023-24: Saurashtra
2022-23: Madhya Pradesh
2021-22: Saurashtra
2020: Not held due to COVID-19
These teams have emerged as strong units, challenging traditional powerhouses like Mumbai and Karnataka.
Importance in Indian Cricket
The Ranji Trophy remains a vital pipeline to the Indian national team. Players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Mayank Agarwal earned their international caps after consistent Ranji performances. It tests temperament, technique, and stamina—key traits for red-ball cricket.
Conclusion
The Ranji Trophy is not just a tournament; it’s a heritage of Indian cricket. It has built the backbone of India’s Test team and continues to be a platform where talent meets opportunity, producing the next generation of cricketing greats.
