The Ranji Trophy: India's Premier Domestic First-Class Competition
The Ranji Trophy is India's premier domestic first-class cricket competition, named after Ranjitsinhji and first contested in 1934. Mumbai has dominated the competition with over 40 titles.
The Ranji Trophy is India's premier domestic first-class cricket competition, first contested in the 1934-35 season. Named after Ranjitsinhji (KS Ranjitsinhji, a prince of Nawanagar who played for England in the 1890s-1900s), the competition has been played annually since its inception and features state associations from across India. The Ranji Trophy is the foundation of Indian cricket's talent production system — Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and virtually every Indian international cricketer of the modern era played Ranji Trophy cricket as part of their development pathway.
Mumbai's Dominance
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) has dominated the Ranji Trophy, winning the title over 40 times — more than any other state by a significant margin. The city's cricket culture, its cricket academies (particularly the Shivaji Park Gymkhana where Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli trained under Ramakant Achrekar), and its depth of talent across multiple socioeconomic backgrounds have produced a continuous stream of elite cricketers. Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra are among the other states that have won the trophy multiple times.
Format and Scale
The Ranji Trophy currently features 38 teams (state associations, railway boards and other bodies) divided into Elite and Plate Groups. The Elite Group has two sub-groups whose top teams advance through quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final. The Plate Group contains lower-ranked teams competing for promotion. Matches are four-day games, and the trophy final is a five-day match. The scale of the Ranji Trophy — 38 teams, hundreds of players, matches across 40+ venues simultaneously — makes it one of the largest domestic sporting competitions on earth.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the Ranji Trophy the most times?
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) has won the Ranji Trophy over 40 times — more than any other state. Their dominance has been built on the city's vast cricket infrastructure, population depth and a culture of cricket that produces elite players across generations.
How many teams play in the Ranji Trophy?
The Ranji Trophy features 38 teams, representing state cricket associations and other bodies (Railways, Services, etc.). Teams are divided into Elite and Plate groups by historical performance and league standing.
Is the Ranji Trophy named after a famous cricketer?
Yes. The Ranji Trophy is named after Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji (KS Ranjitsinhji), an Indian prince who played Test cricket for England in the 1890s and 1900s and was one of the most elegant batters of his era. He scored 24,692 first-class runs and is regarded as the father of the leg glance — a shot he developed as a response to bowling pitched on leg stump.