The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class cricket championship, has been a cornerstone of the nation’s cricketing landscape since its inception in 1934. Named after the legendary cricketer Ranjitsinhji, the tournament has been instrumental in nurturing and showcasing domestic cricket talent, serving as a vital platform for players aspiring to represent India on the international stage. The 2024-25 season continues this rich tradition, offering a blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents competing across the country.
what is the Ranji trophy
The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier first-class cricket championship, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Established in 1934, the tournament is named after Ranjitsinhji, the famous Indian cricketer who played for England. It serves as a crucial platform for domestic players to showcase their talent and earn a place in the Indian national team.
The tournament follows a multi-tier format, with teams representing different states and cricket associations of India. The competition is divided into Elite and Plate groups, with the top teams progressing to the knockout stages. The final match determines the champion, with Mumbai being the most successful team, having won the title 41 times.
Over the years, the Ranji Trophy has produced legendary cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Virat Kohli. It plays a crucial role in preparing young talents for international cricket.
The 2024-25 season has drawn attention due to the return of international stars like Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, adding excitement and competitiveness to the tournament. The Ranji Trophy continues to be the backbone of Indian cricket, shaping the future of the sport in the country.
Tournament Structure and Format
The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy follows a structured format designed to ensure competitive balance and provide ample opportunities for teams to showcase their prowess. The tournament is divided into multiple groups, with teams competing in a round-robin format within their respective groups. The top teams from each group advance to the knockout stages, culminating in the prestigious final that determines the champion.
This season features a total of 38 teams, categorized into Elite and Plate groups based on their performance in previous seasons. The Elite group is further subdivided into groups A, B, C, and D, each comprising six to seven teams. The Plate group includes teams that are relatively new or have not advanced to the Elite tier.
Key Teams and Players
The Ranji Trophy has always been a breeding ground for cricketing talent, and the 2024-25 season is no exception. Several teams boast a mix of experienced internationals and promising youngsters aiming to make a mark.
- Mumbai: Historically the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history, Mumbai continues to be a formidable force. The team is bolstered by the return of senior players like Rohit Sharma, who has made himself available to regain form after a challenging international season. His presence adds significant experience to the squad.
Delhi: The capital’s team is strengthened by the inclusion of Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman known for his aggressive style. Pant’s participation is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to Delhi’s batting lineup.
Punjab: Shubman Gill, a promising young opener who has shown glimpses of brilliance on the international stage, returns to represent Punjab. His performance will be closely watched as he aims to consolidate his position as a future mainstay in the Indian batting order.
- Karnataka: A consistently strong team in domestic cricket, Karnataka features a balanced squad with both experienced players and emerging talents. Their performance in the group stages will be crucial to their aspirations for the title.
Notable Matches and Performances
The season has already witnessed several compelling matches and individual performances that have captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
- Mumbai vs. Jammu and Kashmir: In a surprising turn of events, Jammu and Kashmir secured a victory over the traditionally strong Mumbai team, winning by five wickets. This match highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament and the emergence of teams from regions previously considered underdogs.
- Baroda vs. Tripura: Baroda showcased their dominance with an innings and 98 runs victory over Tripura. This emphatic win underscored Baroda’s strength in both batting and bowling departments.
- Saurashtra vs. Delhi: Saurashtra continued their impressive form with a ten-wicket win over Delhi, reinforcing their status as strong contenders in the tournament. Impact of International Players Returning to Domestic Cricket
The return of several international players to the Ranji Trophy has added a layer of excitement and quality to the tournament. Following a challenging international season, players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant have turned to domestic cricket to regain form and confidence. Their participation not only elevates the standard of competition but also provides invaluable experience to younger teammates and opponents.
Rohit Sharma’s return to Mumbai after nearly a decade has been particularly noteworthy. His presence is expected to bolster Mumbai’s batting lineup and provide leadership to the side. Similarly, Virat Kohli’s potential participation, though not confirmed, has generated significant interest among fans and players alike.
Railways cricket team vs Delhi cricket team match score
As of January 30, 2025, the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match between Railways and Delhi is underway at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Railways’ first innings has seen a mix of challenges and resilience.
Early in the innings, Railways faced setbacks with opener Vivek Singh being dismissed for a duck by Navdeep Saini. Captain Suraj Ahuja contributed 14 runs before falling to Siddhant Sharma. At one point, Railways was struggling at 112 for 5 after 34 overs.
However, a commendable effort by Upendra Yadav, who scored 95 runs off 175 balls, provided stability to the innings. His partnership with lower-order batsman Himanshu Sangwan, who added 29 runs off 27 balls, helped Railways reach a total of 241 runs in 67.4 overs. The innings concluded with Rahul Sharma being the last man out, dismissed by Sumit Mathur.
Delhi’s bowling attack was led by Navdeep Saini, who took 3 wickets for 62 runs in his 18 overs. Siddhant Sharma and Sumit Mathur also contributed, each claiming crucial wickets to restrict Railways’ total.
As the match progresses, Delhi will aim to capitalize on their bowling performance, while Railways will look to their bowlers to defend the total and put pressure on the Delhi batsmen.
Cricket team vs Delhi cricket team players railways
The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group D match between Delhi and Railways commenced on January 30, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The Railways team, led by captain Karn Sharma, faced a formidable Delhi side bolstered by the inclusion of star batsman Virat Kohli, who returned to domestic cricket for this match.
Railways Playing XI:
- Vivek Singh
- Mrunal Devdhar
- Suraj Ahuja (wk)
- Upendra Yadav
- Karn Sharma (c)
- Shivam Chaudhary
- Harsh Tyagi
- Yuvraj Singh
- Himanshu Sangwan
- Pratham Singh
- Aniket Choudhary
Delhi Playing XI:
- Dhruv Shorey
- Himmat Singh
- Ayush Badoni (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Jonty Sidhu
- Anuj Rawat (wk)
- Lalit Yadav
- Navdeep Saini
- Siddhant Sharma
- Sumit Mathur
- Kuldip Yadav
The match garnered significant attention due to Virat Kohli’s participation, leading to a massive turnout of fans at the stadium. The excitement was palpable, with reports of a stampede-like situation as spectators rushed to catch a glimpse of the cricketing icon.
On the field, Delhi’s bowlers capitalized on favorable conditions, reducing Railways to 87 for 5 at lunch on Day 1. Captain Karn Sharma and Upendra Yadav then steadied the innings, guiding Railways past the 200-run mark.
This encounter not only highlighted the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket but also underscored the significant impact of star players like Kohli on the popularity and viewership of the Ranji Trophy.
Emerging Talents to Watch
The Ranji Trophy has always been a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and stake a claim for higher honors. This season, several young players have delivered noteworthy performances:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai): The young opener has continued his impressive run from the previous season, providing solid starts for Mumbai and displaying maturity beyond his years.
- Nishant Sindhu (Haryana): A promising all-rounder, Sindhu has contributed significantly with both bat and ball, making him a key player for Haryana.
- Anshul Kamboj (Haryana): As a reliable batsman, Kamboj has been instrumental in anchoring Haryana’s innings, showcasing consistency and temperament. Challenges and Opportunities
The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season presents both challenges and opportunities for teams and players. The return of international stars raises the level of competition, providing younger players with the chance to test their skills against some of the best in the country. However, this also means increased pressure to perform and secure a place in the playing XI.
For teams, the challenge lies in balancing the inclusion of returning internationals with the development of emerging talents. Strategic decisions regarding team composition, player workload management, and adapting to different playing conditions across venues
Ranji trophy 2025 schedule
The 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, officially known as the IDFC FIRST Bank Ranji Trophy, is the 90th edition of India’s premier first-class cricket tournament. Organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the tournament commenced on October 11, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2025.
Tournament Structure:
The competition features 38 teams, divided into two categories:
Elite Group: Consists of 32 teams split into four groups (A, B, C, and D), each containing eight teams.
Plate Group: Comprises six teams in a single group.
In the Elite Group, teams play each other once, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. In the Plate Group, teams also play each other once, with the top four teams progressing to the Plate Group knockouts. The two Plate finalists are promoted to the Elite Group for the next season, while the bottom two teams from the Elite Groups are relegated to the Plate Group.
Key Dates:
League Stage: October 11, 2024 – February 2, 2025
Knockout Stage: February 8, 2025 – February 26, 2025
Upcoming Matches:
As of January 30, 2025, the tournament is progressing into its final stages. The knockout phase is set to begin on February 8, 2025, culminating in the final match on February 26, 2025. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling encounters as teams vie for the prestigious title.
For a comprehensive schedule, including detailed match dates, venues, and timings, please refer to the official BCCI document:
This season has been marked by intense competition, with several standout performances. As the tournament approaches its climax, fans eagerly anticipate which team will emerge victorious in this esteemed championship.