Ranji Trophy History: Cricket in India is more than just a sport; it’s a passion ingrained in the nation’s soul. And at the heart of this passion lies the Ranji Trophy, the premier domestic first-class cricket championship.
Today, we delve into the rich history of this tournament, tracing its journey from a dream to a cornerstone of Indian cricket.
Blossoming from Vision:
The seeds of the Ranji Trophy were sown in 1934 by A.S. De Mello, the founder of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Envisioning a national-level first-class championship, he laid the groundwork for a tournament that would nurture cricketing talent across the land.
Honoring a Legend:
Ranjitshinji Photo from Wikipedia
Named after Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian cricketer to play for England, the trophy itself was donated by the Maharaja of Patiala. Ranji, as he was fondly known, was a batsman of rare elegance and skill, and his name became synonymous with Indian cricketing prowess.
From Humble Beginnings to National Stage:
The inaugural Ranji Trophy season took place in 1934-35, with Bombay (now Mumbai) emerging as the first champions. From a modest four-team contest, the tournament gradually expanded, encompassing regional and state cricket associations across India. The format evolved over the years, adapting to changing needs and fostering a competitive spirit.
Mumbai’s Dominance and Rising Stars:
Mumbai established itself as the undisputed king of the Ranji Trophy, boasting a record 41 titles, including a remarkable 15 consecutive wins from 1958-59 to 1972-73. Yet, the tournament also served as a launchpad for countless future Indian cricket stars, from Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev to Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Beyond Statistics: A Crucible of Character:
Its significance transcends mere scorecards and titles. It’s a battleground where raw talent meets grueling challenges, where players forge resilience and hone their skills under the tutelage of seasoned coaches. It’s a testament to the dedication and grit of those who chase the dream of wearing the India whites.
Also Read Stadiums where Ranji Trophy played
The Ranji Trophy’s Enduring Legacy:
Today, the Ranji Trophy continues to be the breeding ground for Indian cricket’s future. It’s a platform where budding players showcase their mettle, where legends are born, and where the spirit of the game flourishes. From the sun-drenched fields of Rajasthan to the verdant pitches of Kerala, the Ranji Trophy echoes with the passionate roar of countless fans, etching its legacy in the leather of every cricket ball bowled.
Ranji Trophy winners list
Mumbai is the undisputed king of the Ranji Trophy jungle, having collected a record 41 crowns. Other teams pale in comparison, with their highest tally falling far short (only 10). Mumbai’s constant presence in the final (46 appearances) reinforces their reign as the undisputed monarch.
| Season | Winners | Runners- Up |
|---|---|---|
| 1934-35 | Bombay | Northern India |
| 1935-36 | Bombay | Madras |
| 1936-37 | Nawanagar | Bengal |
| 1937-38 | Hyderabad | Nawanagar |
| 1938-39 | Bengal | Southern Punjab |
| 1939-40 | Maharashtra | United Provinces |
| 1940-41 | Maharashtra | Madras |
| 1941-42 | Bombay | Mysore |
| 1942-43 | Baroda | Hyderabad |
| 1943-44 | Western India | Bengal |
| 1944-45 | Bombay | Holkar |
| 1945-46 | Holkar | Baroda |
| 1946-47 | Baroda | Holkar |
| 1947-48 | Holkar | Bombay |
| 1948-49 | Bombay | Baroda |
| 1949-50 | Baroda | Holkar |
| 1950-51 | Holkar | Gujarat |
| 1951-52 | Bombay | Holkar |
| 1952-53 | Holkar | Bengal |
| 1953-54 | Bombay | Holkar |
| 1954-55 | Madras | Holkar |
| 1955-56 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1956-57 | Bombay | Services |
| 1957-58 | Baroda | Services |
| 1958-59 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1959-60 | Bombay | Mysore |
| 1960-61 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1961-62 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1962-63 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1963-64 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1964-65 | Bombay | Hyderabad |
| 1965-66 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1966-67 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1967-68 | Bombay | Madras |
| 1968-69 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1969-70 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1970-71 | Bombay | Maharashtra |
| 1971-72 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1972-73 | Bombay | Tamil Nadu |
| 1973-74 | Karnataka | Rajasthan |
| 1974-75 | Bombay | Karnataka |
| 1975-76 | Bombay | Bihar |
| 1976-77 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1977-78 | Karnataka | Uttar Pradesh |
| 1978-79 | Delhi | Karnataka |
| 1979-80 | Delhi | Bombay |
| 1980-81 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1981-82 | Delhi | Karnataka |
| 1982-83 | Karnataka | Bombay |
| 1983-84 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1984-85 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1985-86 | Delhi | Haryana |
| 1986-87 | Hyderabad | Delhi |
| 1987-88 | Tamil Nadu | Railways |
| 1988-89 | Delhi | Bengal |
| 1989-90 | Bengal | Delhi |
| 1990-91 | Haryana | Bombay |
| 1991-92 | Delhi | Tamil Nadu |
| 1992-93 | Punjab | Maharashtra |
| 1993-94 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1994-95 | Bombay | Punjab |
| 1995-96 | Karnataka | Tamil Nadu |
| 1996-97 | Mumbai | Delhi |
| 1997-98 | Karnataka | Uttar Pradesh |
| 1998-99 | Karnataka | Madhya Pradesh |
| 1999-00 | Mumbai | Hyderabad |
| 2000-01 | Baroda | Railways |
| 2001-02 | Railways | Baroda |
| 2002-03 | Mumbai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2003-04 | Mumbai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2004-05 | Railways | Punjab |
| 2005-06 | Uttar Pradesh | Bengal |
| 2006-07 | Mumbai | Bengal |
| 2007-08 | Delhi | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2008-09 | Mumbai | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2009-10 | Mumbai | Karnataka |
| 2010-11 | Rajasthan | Baroda |
| 2011-12 | Rajasthan | Tamil Nadu |
| 2012-13 | Mumbai | Saurashtra |
| 2013-14 | Karnataka | Maharashtra |
| 2014-15 | Karnataka | Tamil Nadu |
| 2015-16 | Mumbai | Saurashtra |
| 2016-17 | Gujarat | Mumbai |
| 2017-18 | Vidarbha | Delhi |
| 2018-19 | Vidarbha | Saurashtra |
| 2019-20 | Saurashtra | Bengal |
| 2020-21 | Not held due to Covid-19 | |
| 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Mumbai |
| 2022-23 | Saurashtra | Bengal |
Ranji Trophy 2024 schedule: Full fixtures list and venues
Will be updated soon.
