The Ranji Trophy is Back

Ranji Trophy is an Iconic Completion in Indian Cricket. It has rich history and legacy in itself. This is the place where many greats of Indian cricket were born be it of past or present. This completion is played usually between the months of October to March. It is the Indian version of County cricket or Sheffield shield. This completion played between all the member associations of BCCI. From states to other associations like Railways ect.

 

The Ranji Trophy is played in a 4-day test match format. Teams are divided into groups and they play group stage then quarter-finals to finals. The most successive team has been Mumbai who was won this 41 times since its inception.

 

Since the start of the Pandemic, the completion was on hold. Last season happened in 2019 when the Saurashtra team won it. BCCI was struggling to host this completion since it involves many stakeholders especially keeping in mind the Covid 19 Pandemic situation in the nation.

Finally, it was announced that this completion will return in 2022 and will start on the 10th of January 2022.

 

But due ongoing 3rd wave in the country it was announced on the 4th of January that this completion is again getting postponed. After this announcement, there was an outpour of emotions from ex-cricketers to current ones on social media. Jaydev Unadkat the Saurashtra player posted an emotional message saying “ Oh Red Ball please give me a chance once again I won't disappoint you.”  After this message and support, he got for it pressure increased on BCCI to host this completion. Recently the Ex Indian head coach Ravi Shastri said, “Ranji Trophy is our breeding ground by not playing it you are killing the breeding ground of Indian Cricket.”

 

Finally yesterday we came to the announcement that the Ranji trophy is back and it will commence from the 16th of February and will be played in phrases. The completion will be played in 9 different cities and 1st Phrase will be from 16th of February to 5th of March then there 2 possible outcomes either BCCI would look to finish the completion before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) or there will be a break for IPL and after IPL Ranji trophy will resume again.

 

Now looking forward to this 1st phrase there are many cricketers who are waiting for it. Many youngsters will get an opportunity to showcase their talents will be a good practice ground for them before the IPL starts. They can impress their respective franchises and stake a claim in their respective IPL teams. Also for many senior cricketers like Rahane and Pujara whose places are in question in the Indian team this can be a good opportunity to score some runs to get back in form and still claim their places in the Indian Test Team.

Overall this upcoming Ranji Trophy season will be an exciting one and hopefully, it will get played out as planned without any hiccups or covid 19 cases.

 

Let us know how excited you are regarding this upcoming Ranji Trophy season.