Named after the renowned Indian cricketer Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, the Ranji Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket championship that takes place in India. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments in the world, and has a rich history that dates back over eight decades.
The Ranji Trophy was instituted in 1934-35, and the inaugural season featured five teams: Baroda, Bengal, Bombay, Hyderabad, and Nawanagar. The tournament was named after Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, who was one of the most successful and influential cricketers of his time. Ranjitsinhji, also known as Ranji, played for Sussex and England, and was the first Indian to score a hundred in first-class cricket.
The tournament was initially played on a knockout basis, with the winners of each match advancing to the next round. However, this format was changed in 1935-36 to a league format, with teams playing each other in a round-robin system. This format was adopted to give the teams more opportunities to play, and to provide a more comprehensive assessment of their performance.
Over the years, the Ranji Trophy has evolved into a highly competitive tournament, with teams from different parts of India competing for the championship. The tournament has undergone several changes in format and structure, and currently features 38 teams divided into six groups. The top five teams from each group qualify for the knockout stages, which culminate in the final match to determine the champion.
The Ranji Trophy has produced some of the finest cricketers in Indian history, including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli, among others. Many of these players have gone on to represent the Indian cricket team at the highest level, and have contributed to India's success in international cricket.
In conclusion, the Ranji Trophy was instituted in 1934-35, and has a rich history that spans over eight decades. The tournament was named after Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja, one of the most successful and influential cricketers of his time. Over the years, the tournament has evolved into a highly competitive event, featuring teams from different parts of India and producing some of the finest cricketers in Indian history.
