The Ranji Trophy is India’s most prestigious first-class cricket tournament. Started in 1934, it has been the launching pad for legends like Sachin Tendulkar Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli. Organized by the BCCI the tournament features top state and regional teams battling it out for domestic glory across iconic venues in India.
The 2026 Ranji Trophy season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. With 38 teams, a revamped round-robin and knockout format, and matches held in stadiums like Wankhede and Eden Gardens fans can expect action-packed days of red-ball cricket. Powerhouses like Mumbai Karnataka and Saurashtra are joined by rising teams like Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh in their hunt for the coveted trophy.
This article breaks down everything you need to know match schedules, team previews how to reach stadiums, historical records points tables player watchlists and practical fan tips. Whether you’re a serious cricket follower or a casual fan planning to attend this guide has it all.
Key Highlights
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Overview of the Ranji Trophy 2026 tournament structure and format
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Full team previews including Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and emerging teams
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Venue list with how to reach, nearby places, and live match tips
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Updated points table, fixtures, and match schedules
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Historical records, player milestones, and legends from the tournament
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Real fan tips for attending games live at stadiums
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List of FAQs including ticket info, streaming, and player pathways to Team India
Get ready to explore the heart of Indian domestic cricket. Dive into the full article below and discover why the Ranji Trophy is the foundation of India’s cricketing greatness.
Ranji Trophy 2026: India’s Premier Domestic Cricket Championship
The Ranji Trophy remains the most prestigious first-class domestic cricket tournament in India. Established in 1934-35 and named after the legendary cricketer Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, the tournament has been the cradle of Indian cricketing excellence for nearly a century.
It continues to serve as a proving ground for aspiring cricketers and an indicator of India’s deep cricketing bench strength.
The upcoming Ranji Trophy 2026 season promises high-octane action intense rivalries and a renewed opportunity for states to stake their claim on the coveted title. With a refreshed format seasoned champions like Mumbai Karnataka and Saurashtra and a host of young stars fans can expect a thrilling competition spread across India’s iconic cricket venues.
Key Highlights
- The Ranji Trophy is India’s longest-running and most prestigious domestic cricket tournament.
- The 2026 season begins in January and concludes with the final in April.
- Features powerhouse teams like Mumbai Punjab Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Serves as a platform for players to enter international cricket.
- Offers detailed match schedules, points tables and emerging player highlights.
Stay tuned and follow the action as the best of Indian domestic cricket battles it out for national glory.
History and Legacy of the Ranji Trophy
The Ranji Trophy was introduced in 1934 by the BCCI to create a competitive platform for India’s regional cricket associations. Named after Ranjitsinhji, it provided Indian players a structured opportunity to hone their red-ball skills.
Over the years, the tournament has produced legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli. It continues to play a vital role in the selection pool for India’s Test team.
- First held in 1934-35
- Played annually with a few exceptions
- Dominated by Mumbai with over 40 titles
- Divided into multiple groups to ensure wider participation
Format of Ranji Trophy 2026
The Ranji Trophy 2026 will follow a round-robin format, transitioning into knockout stages. The top teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals, progressing to the semi-finals and culminating in a 5-day final.
| Stage | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| League Stage | Jan-Feb 2026 | 38 teams in Elite and Plate Groups |
| Quarter-Finals | March 2026 | Top teams from each group qualify |
| Semi-Finals | March 2026 | Winners from QFs face off |
| Final Match | April 2026 | 5-day final at a neutral venue |
The format of the Ranji Trophy 2026 is as follows:
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The tournament features two categories of teams: the Elite category and the Plate category.
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The Elite category has 32 teams split into four groups (Elite A, B, C, D). Each team in a group plays the other teams once.
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The top two teams from each Elite group qualify for the quarter-finals.
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The Plate category has 6 teams in one group. Teams play each other once.
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The top four teams from the Plate group qualify for the Plate knockouts.
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The bottom two Plate teams play for the fifth and sixth positions.
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Another playoff determines third and fourth positions among semi-final losers in the Plate group.
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The Plate group winner is promoted to the Elite category for the following season.
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The bottom team among all four Elite groups combined (based on points and quotient) is relegated to the Plate category.
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy runs from 15 October 2025 to 28 February 2026 with Vidarbha as the defending champions.
Ranji Trophy semi-final schedule 2026
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 semifinals are scheduled for February 15-19 across two venues, marking the final stage before the February 24-28 final.
Semi-Final Schedule
Quarterfinals concluded recently, setting up these matchups (teams TBD based on results):
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 15-19, 2026 | 1st Semi-Final (QF1 winner vs QF4 winner) | TBC |
| Feb 15-19, 2026 | 2nd Semi-Final (QF2 winner vs QF3 winner) | TBC |
Ranji Trophy 2026 Teams Preview
The tournament will feature 38 teams, including Elite Group A, B, C, D, and the Plate Group. Teams compete for a spot in the knockout stage.
Top Contenders:
Mumbai
- Legacy: Most successful team with over 40 titles
- Key Players: Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Ajinkya Rahane
- Strengths: Deep batting, experienced bowling unit
- 2026 Outlook: Defending champions and favorites
Karnataka
- Legacy: Multiple-time winners
- Key Players: Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal, K Gowtham
- Strengths: Balanced squad, consistent performers
- 2026 Outlook: Strong semi-final prospects
Saurashtra
- Legacy: Champions in 2019-20, 2022-23
- Key Players: Cheteshwar Pujara, Jaydev Unadkat, Sheldon Jackson
- Strengths: All-round discipline and resilience
Tamil Nadu
- Legacy: Regular contenders
- Key Players: Sai Kishore, Dinesh Karthik, Baba Indrajith
- Strengths: Strong middle-order and spin attack
Punjab
- Key Players: Mandeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Siddharth Kaul
- Strengths: Fearless batting, pace-heavy bowling
Emerging Teams to Watch
- Madhya Pradesh: Recent champions, robust core
- Vidarbha: Double title winners in 2017-18 and 2018-19
- Uttar Pradesh: Rising talent pool, Rinku Singh leads the way
- Himachal Pradesh and Kerala: Solid recent performances
Venues for Ranji Trophy 2026
Ranji Trophy matches are played across multiple iconic and regional stadiums in India. These grounds provide both historic value and modern amenities for fans and players alike.
| Stadium | City | Capacity | Notable Matches Hosted |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | 33,000 | International & IPL matches |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | 40,000 | Ranji & Test matches |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | 66,000 | Test, IPL & World Cup matches |
| Chepauk Stadium | Chennai | 50,000 | Historic Test matches |
| PCA Stadium | Mohali | 26,000 | India vs. Australia 1996 World Cup |
India’s Domestic Cricket: From Wankhede Thrills to TNPL Action
India’s domestic cricket is full of energy and variety. From the electric nights of the IPL at Wankhede to the gritty one-day battles of the Vijay Hazare Trophy the fast-paced Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and regional leagues like the T20 Mumbai and TNPL each competition adds its own flavor to the game. Here’s a quick look at what makes these tournaments and venues so exciting.
| Tournament / Venue | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Wankhede Stadium (IPL Tickets) | Tickets usually range from ₹800 to ₹35,000 depending on stands. Booking is available on BookMyShow Paytm Insider and IPLT20.com. The guide also includes transport and seating details. |
| Vijay Hazare Trophy (One-Day) | A 50-over domestic tournament. In 2026 Karnataka lifted the trophy for the fifth time showing their stronghold in the format. |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) | Runs from Nov 26 to Dec 18, 2026 across cities like Lucknow Hyderabad and Kolkata with knockouts in Indore. A platform for India’s rising T20 stars. |
| T20 Mumbai League | Tickets Played from June 4–12, 2026 across Wankhede Brabourne and DY Patil. Features top names like Suryakumar Yadav Iyer and Rahane alongside new talent. |
| Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) | Held from tickets June 15 to July 30, 2026 with 32 matches and eight teams. The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai hosted the opener and other big fixtures. |
How to Watch and Follow the Ranji Trophy
To watch and follow the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season Indian viewers can enjoy live coverage on Sports 18 TV and stream matches on the JioCinema app or website. Matches usually begin at 9:30 a.m. IST with pre-match toss coverage at 9:00 a.m.
International fans can check platforms like Willow TV based on regional availability or use a VPN to access Indian streams.
The official BCCI website and cricket news portals like ESPN Cricinfo and Cricbuzz offer real-time scores, stats, and expert analysis. Featuring top Indian players and intense knockout matches from February to March 2025, this Ranji season promises thrilling domestic cricket action.
Ranji Trophy 2025–26: Watch & Follow Guide
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast (India) | Sports 18 Network (SD & HD) |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioCinema app and website |
| Match Start Time | 9:30 a.m. IST (Toss around 9:00 a.m. IST) |
| International Streaming | Willow TV (availability varies by region) |
| Use of VPN | Recommended for international viewers to access Indian platforms via Indian server |
| Live Updates | BCCI Official Website, ESPN Cricinfo, Cricbuzz |
| Key Players | Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja |
| Knockout Phase | Starts early February 2025 |
| Final Match Dates | February 26 – March 2, 2025 |
Cricket fans can follow the Ranji Trophy action in real-time through various platforms:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports network
- Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
- Live Scores: Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo
- Social Media: BCCI Twitter, team Instagram handles
Tips for Watching Ranji Trophy Live at the Stadium
Planning to watch Ranji Trophy matches live? Here’s what you need to know:
- Check Local Fixtures: Visit BCCI or team websites to know nearby matches
- Get Tickets Early: Tickets for popular venues can sell out quickly
- Arrive Early: Get the best seating by arriving at least 1 hour before match start
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water bottles and sun protection for outdoor venues
- Use Public Transport: Avoid parking hassles by taking metros or autos
How to Reach Ranji Trophy Venues
Ranji Trophy venues span major cities across India, from iconic stadiums like Wankhede in Mumbai and Eden Gardens in Kolkata to regional grounds like Holkar Stadium in Indore and Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur.
Reaching Key Venues
Access varies by city infrastructure—most are near airports, railways, or metros. Use public transport, rideshares (Ola/Uber), or local autos for last-mile connectivity.
| Venue | City | How to Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | Churchgate Station (5-min walk); Western Line local trains; CSMT Airport (45 min cab) |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi | Rajiv Chowk Metro (Yellow/Blue Line, 2 km); Kashmere Gate ISBT; IGI Airport (30 min cab) |
| Holkar Stadium | Indore | Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (20 min cab); Indore Junction railway (10 km); BRTS buses |
| Brabourne Stadium | Mumbai | Churchgate Station (walkable); same as Wankhede; accessible via Marine Drive taxis |
| M Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | Vidhana Soudha Metro (Purple Line, 2 km); Kempegowda Airport (1 hr cab); BMTC buses |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | Eden Metro (Blue Line direct); Howrah/Sealdah stations (15 min cab); NSCBI Airport (30 min) |
| Keenan Stadium | Jamshedpur | Sonari Airport (10 km); Tatanagar Junction railway (direct trains); local autos/rickshaws |
Places to Visit Near Ranji Trophy Venues
Combine your match day with sightseeing. Here are attractions near top Ranji venues:
Mumbai (Wankhede Stadium)
- Marine Drive
- Gateway of India
- Colaba Market
Bangalore (Chinnaswamy Stadium)
- Cubbon Park
- UB City Mall
- Bangalore Palace
Chennai (Chepauk Stadium)
- Marina Beach
- Santhome Cathedral
- Express Avenue Mall
Kolkata (Eden Gardens)
- Victoria Memorial
- Howrah Bridge
- Indian Museum
Ranji Trophy Points Table (Elite Group A – 2026 Updated)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vidarbha | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 25 | +0.756 |
| 2 | Andhra | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 22 | +1.380 |
| 3 | Gujarat | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 12 | +0.221 |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 12 | -0.167 |
| 5 | Jharkhand | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 11 | -0.565 |
| 6 | Odisha | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | -0.185 |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | -1.002 |
| 8 | Nagaland | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | -1.593 |
This table reflects standings after the initial rounds of the tournament. Points are awarded based on match results, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarter-finals. For the most up-to-date standings, check official sources like Cricbuzz or BCCI.tv as the tournament progresses.
Ranji Trophy Final 2026: What to Expect
The Ranji Trophy Final 2026 is scheduled to take place from February 24 to February 28, 2026, but the venue has not yet been officially confirmed as of December 2025. The final will feature the two best teams from the semifinals, which are held from February 15 to February 19, 2026.
What to Expect
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The final will be a five-day match, following traditional first-class cricket rules, with both teams aiming for a win or a draw to lift the trophy.
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The match is expected to draw significant attention from fans and media, especially if traditional powerhouses like Mumbai, Karnataka, or Vidarbha reach the final.
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The venue is likely to be a major cricket stadium in India, such as M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru), Eden Gardens (Kolkata), or Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai), but this will be confirmed by the BCCI closer to the event.
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The final will showcase top domestic talent, with many players hoping to impress selectors for national team consideration.
FAQs
Q1: How long is each Ranji Trophy match?
Each group match lasts 4 days; the final is played over 5 days.
Q2: How many teams participate in Ranji Trophy 2025?
A total of 38 teams will compete in the 2025 season.
Q3: Is the Ranji Trophy only for male players?
Yes, the Ranji Trophy is a men’s first-class tournament. However, India also has a Women’s Senior One Day Trophy.
Q4: Are Ranji Trophy matches free to attend?
Many matches have free entry, especially in earlier rounds. Finals may require ticketed entry.
Q5: Which team has never won the Ranji Trophy?
Teams like Tripura, Services, and Nagaland are yet to win the tournament.
Q6: Where can I find the full schedule?
Visit bcci.tv or follow Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo for match listings.
Q7: Can Ranji players get selected for the Indian team?
Yes. Performances in Ranji Trophy are a major pathway to India A and the senior Indian cricket team.
Conclusion
The Ranji Trophy 2026 is not just another domestic tournament; it is the beating heart of Indian cricket. With fierce competition storied legacies and rising stars it continues to shape the future of Indian cricket. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer following the Ranji Trophy offers a front-row seat to the next generation of cricket legends.