As the most anticipated Indian domestic cricket tournament, the Ranji Trophy, approaches its kick-off, cricket fans across the country are gearing up to witness some exhilarating action. With the tournament set to commence soon, it’s time to take a look back at those teams that have dominated the competition and emerged as the formidable forces over the years. From the early days of the tournament to the present, these teams have left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cricket.
The Ranji Trophy, which was first introduced in 1934-35, has been the breeding ground for some of the finest cricketers in the country. Named after the legendary cricketer, Ranjitsinhji, the tournament has seen many ups and downs but has always managed to maintain its stature as the most premier domestic cricket tournament in India.
Mumbai, with its rich cricketing culture and legacy, has been the most successful team in the history of the Ranji Trophy. Also known as the ‘Cricket Capital of India’, Mumbai holds the record for the highest number of Ranji Trophy wins with a whopping 41 titles to their name. Under the leadership of stalwarts like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai has set a benchmark for other teams to follow.
Next in line is Karnataka, who has 8 Ranji Trophy titles to their credit. The team is known for producing some of the most talented cricketers like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Javagal Srinath. Under the guidance of these legends, Karnataka has dominated the Ranji Trophy in the 1990s and early 2000s, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
The third team on our list is Delhi, with 7 Ranji Trophy titles to their name. Delhi has been a consistent performer in the tournament, with players like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli donning the Delhi jersey and leaving a mark on the competition. They have also been the runners-up 11 times, highlighting their consistent run in the tournament.
Moving on to the next team, Tamil Nadu has also been a dominant force in the Ranji Trophy with 2 titles and 4 runners-up finishes. The team has produced some great cricketers like S. Venkataraghavan, L. Balaji, and Dinesh Karthik. Their never-say-die attitude and strong team spirit have helped them achieve success in the tournament.
Punjab, with 2 titles and 5 runners-up finishes, is another team that has made its mark in the Ranji Trophy. With players like Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, Punjab has always been a formidable team in the competition. Their passionate and aggressive style of cricket has won them many fans over the years.
Baroda, with 2 titles and 2 runners-up finishes, is a team that cannot be ignored when talking about the Ranji Trophy. Players like Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan have all represented Baroda and have helped the team achieve success in the tournament. Their attacking brand of cricket has made them a fan-favorite and has brought them much success over the years.
Other teams like Hyderabad, Gujarat, and Haryana have also left their mark on the Ranji Trophy with 2 titles each. These teams have produced many talented cricketers who have gone on to represent the country at the highest level. Their consistent performances in the tournament have made them a force to be reckoned with.
In recent years, teams like Saurashtra and Vidarbha have emerged as surprise winners of the Ranji Trophy. Saurashtra, with their maiden title win in 2019, has proved that they are here to stay and are ready to challenge the dominant teams in the competition. Vidarbha, with back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, has also shown their potential to be one of the top teams in the Ranji Trophy.
As we eagerly wait for the 2021 edition of the Ranji Trophy to begin, these teams will once again battle it out on the field to claim the coveted title. With the competition getting tougher with each passing year, it will be interesting to see which team emerges as the ultimate champion this time.
In conclusion, the