How can I play Ranji Trophy? The roadmap to India’s premier domestic cricket tournament
In a country like India, where cricket has been considered a religion, every youngster aspires to become a cricketer. How can I play for India? Not the pinnacle, but at least how can I play Ranji Trophy is a thought that every Indian dreams of at least once in his life.
The tough path to the Indian national cricket team passes through the gateways of highly competitive domestic tournaments, amongst which the Ranji Trophy is a standout.
In this blog, I will be presenting a broader and deeper look at the history and importance of the Ranji Trophy. Moreover, you can find a complete guide on how to get selected for Ranji trophy trials, camps, and much more.
A Brief History of the Ranji Trophy
The Ranji Trophy is a first-class domestic cricket tournament in India. Organized by the nation’s supreme cricketing body, i.e., Board of Control for Cricket in India, the championship’s inaugural season was played in 1934. Initially named the ‘Cricket Championship of India’, it was renamed after Ranjit Singhji in 1935, who was the first Indian to play international cricket. He represented England between 1896-2002.
How many teams play in the Ranji Trophy?
Played every year, the Ranji Trophy generally has a total of 38 participating teams. Each state of India has its own team, and four out of eight union territories with at least one team presenting their talent on the national stage.
Beyond the line stats of Ranji Trophy
Considering the remarkable feats, Himachal Pradesh-born cricketer Paras Dogra stands as the highest scorer of this esteemed extravaganza with 6821 runs in 91 games. Mumbai is the most-time winner of this prestigious trophy (42 times). Looking at the most successful bowler, Jalaj Saxena has bagged the most scalps in the Ranji Trophy with an impressive tally of 360 in 88 games.
How can I play Ranji Trophy cricket? Where to start
If you are an aspiring cricketer who has a knack for this highly competitive sport, you can also play the Ranji Trophy and represent your flare at a broader level. However, there are several steps and ranks that you need to follow to emerge as a player who can represent his side at the big ranks:
District level cricket
This is one of the premier steps that you have to take to reach the level of the Ranji Trophy. Every district has its cricket associations that organize tournaments at various age group levels such as U-9, U-14, U-16, U-19, and U-25. The selection process to play in these age groups involves a trial.
Once you start playing at the district level, you can get promoted to the state teams of these respective age-level teams based on your performance. Consistent and impactful performances like the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, and the U-25 Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy could bring you to the eye of the notable selectors of the state level.
State probables
Many of you might be wondering about this peculiar term ‘state probables’. FYI, it is a trial process in which players from across the state gather to play a set of matches where the top performers fight for a place in the Ranji Trophy team of their respective state/UT.
Performance in state-level domestic tournaments
Good performance in state-level tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Sayed Mushtaq Ali Trophy also acts as a catalyst for a player’s prospects in the Ranji Trophy. A good show in these championships highlights the player in the selectors’ mind, which paves his way for another level.
Moreover, some exceptional showdowns in T20 format championships like SMAT can bring you to the list of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises as well, who are always on the lookout for unearthed raw talent.
Ranji Trophy probables
The Ranji Trophy probables mark the last stage in a player’s bid to get selected for playing in India’s top-tier cricketing carnival. Your path to the Ranji probables would depend on your performance in state-level cricket. A solid and firm performance in these games can make your dreams turn into reality and cement your spot in the highly coveted Ranji Trophy.
Selection in the Ranji Trophy lays down a firm base for a player to proceed further and represent India. The five-day game format of this championship tests the players’ strength in all ways possible. A majority of players who represent India at the international level earn their place in the first team based on their performance in this domestic tournament.
These factors are enough to underscore the importance and magnitude of the Ranji Trophy, which has been a catalyst in giving many cricketing gems to the nation.
