India's domestic league: Ranji Trophy

While there are so many who do not follow the Ranji Trophy so religiously, there are many cricket lovers who will agree with me when I say that Ranji Trophy is the best test for every cricketer at domestic level. It has been the benchmark to pull out the best talent to represent the National Team.


The Ranji Trophy was started by BCCI in the year 1934 and it got its name from the stalwart of Cricket - Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji, Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, who was the king of India and played for the English Cricket team. He was an extraordinary batsman of his time and was also the inventor of the shot called Leg Glance. The first fixture for the same happened in 1934-35 and the cup was won by team Bombay. The trophy was donated by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.


Over the years, the format for the trophy has undergone many changes. In the beginning, selection of teams was 5 teams (1 team from each zone) and later went on to 10 teams (2 teams from each zone) and so on. In 2002-2003, the zonal system was scrapped and a 2 division structure was adopted. In 2007, the format included 2 subsets: the Super League and the Plate League. This year, with little or no difference, Ranji Trophy will be played in the same format. There are 2 sub-contests: The Super League and the Plate League.


Super League:

Group A

* Orissa

* Saurashtra

* Punjab

* Uttar Pradesh

* Railways

* Rajasthan

* Mumbai

* Karnataka


Group B

* Bengal

* Gujarat

* Delhi

* Haryana

* Tamil Nadu

* Baroda

* Madhya Pradesh



Ranji Trophy Super League 2011-12 has begun today with 14 teams competing. To all the Cricket devotees, it is a must watch! Another reason to watch these matches is that many RCB players also are members of different squads. Sreenath Aravind, Abhimanyu Mithun, Gautam CM are going to represent team Karnataka. Saurabh Tiwary is the captain of team Jharkhand. And Mohammed Kaif is playing for team Uttar Pradesh. It is a good opportunity to all the players to make a mark and increase their skill-portfolio.

Quick Facts:

1. Ranji in India is equivalent to County in England and Sheffield Shield in Australia.

2. Till date, the best match bowling record is held by our mentor Anil Kumble. His bowling figures of 16/99 for Karnataka against Kerala in 94-95 remains unmatched.

3. Team Mumbai holds the record of maximum wins: 39 out of 43 that they have played.


So while you cheer for your favorite team, Ranji Trophy Super League also gives you a chance to root for your favorite player. One question for fans: Which team are you supporting and who are your favourite players?