In a cricket-crazy nation like India, the limelight often shines on international matches and the glitzy IPL. But behind the glamour lies the bedrock of Indian cricket, the Ranji Trophy. Since its inception in 1934, this first-class tournament has shaped legends, tested nerves, and delivered drama that rivals the best Test matches in the world.
From nail-biting finishes and heroic performances to matches that shaped domestic rivalries, the Ranji Trophy has quietly scripted some of the most thrilling tales in Indian cricket. These are not just matches; they are moments etched in time, where careers were made, hearts were broken, and cricketing folklore was born. Here’s a look at the Top 5 Most Iconic Ranji Trophy Matches in History, complete with stats that tell their own gripping story.
5. Saurashtra vs Bengal – 2019–20 Final (Rajkot)
Result: Saurashtra won on first-innings lead
Why It’s Historic:
In a final defined by attrition and nerves, Saurashtra claimed their maiden Ranji Trophy title. The star of the show was Jaydev Unadkat, whose consistency and captaincy throughout the season were remarkable. With slow scoring and tactical bowling changes, Saurashtra posted 425, and Bengal, despite a fightback from Anustup Majumdar, fell short.
Legacy: The win was a watershed moment for Saurashtra cricket, proving that smaller states could now compete with giants.
Match Stats:
| Detail | Saurashtra | Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 425 (Vasavada 106) | 381 (Majumdar 66) |
| 2nd Innings | 105/4 decl. | — |
| Star Performers | Vasavada, Unadkat | Majumdar |
| Title Decider | — | Saurashtra – 1st Inns Lead |
4. Maharashtra vs Bombay – 1948–49 Semi-Final (Pune)
Result: Bombay won by 354 runs
Why It’s Historic:
A forgotten gem, this match featured one of the longest and highest-scoring Ranji games in history. Bombay’s legendary batting lineup, led by Vijay Hazare and Dattu Phadkar, posted mammoth totals. The match spanned over six days and was noted for its sheer volume of runs and the attritional nature of play. Bombay’s bowlers held their nerves in the final innings as they dismissed Maharashtra for a low total to enter the final.
Legacy: It was a hallmark of Bombay’s growing cricketing might post-independence.
Match Stats:
| Detail | Bombay | Maharashtra |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 651/9 decl. (Hazare 177) | 407 |
| 2nd Innings | 250/6 decl. | 140 |
| Star Performers | Hazare, Phadkar | S. Banerjee |
| Victory Margin | — | Lost by 354 runs |
3. Delhi vs Karnataka – 1979–80 Final (Bangalore)
Result: Delhi won by an innings and 100 runs
Why It’s Historic:
In one of the most dominant Ranji Trophy final performances, Delhi steamrolled Karnataka, who had the likes of Gundappa Viswanath and Roger Binny. Madan Lal’s all-round performance (5/23 and 51 runs) and Chetan Chauhan’s gritty century broke the back of Karnataka. Delhi’s fast bowlers exploited the green Bangalore wicket and wrapped up the game within three days.
Legacy: It was Delhi’s first-ever Ranji Trophy title and marked the rise of North Indian dominance in domestic cricket during the 1980s.
Match Stats:
| Detail | Karnataka | Delhi |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 179 | 379 (Chauhan 125) |
| 2nd Innings | 100 | — |
| Star Performers | Viswanath (fail) | Madan Lal, Chauhan |
| Victory Margin | — | Innings & 100 runs |
2. Tamil Nadu vs Mumbai – 2016 Semi-Final (Rajkot)
Result: Draw. Mumbai qualified on first-innings lead
Why It’s Historic:
It was a modern-day Ranji epic. Kaushik Gandhi’s century and Baba Aparajith’s fighting 79 gave Tamil Nadu the early edge. But Mumbai, the record 41-time champions, responded with Shreyas Iyer’s electrifying 81 and Suryakumar Yadav’s counter-attack. The match became a battle of attrition as Tamil Nadu aimed for an outright win in the last innings. Mumbai survived more than 100 overs in the fourth innings, losing 8 wickets but ensuring qualification on the first-innings lead.
Legacy: The match showcased grit and tactical brilliance, especially in how Mumbai approached the game despite Tamil Nadu’s dominance.
Match Stats:
| Detail | Tamil Nadu | Mumbai |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 305 (Gandhi 104) | 350 (Iyer 81) |
| 2nd Innings | 356/6 decl. | 160/8 (Match drawn) |
| Star Performers | Aparajith, Kaushik | Surya, Shreyas |
| Qualification Basis | — | First-innings lead |
1. Mumbai vs Karnataka – 2009 Semi-Final (Mysore)
Result: Mumbai won by 6 wickets
Why It’s Historic:
A battle of two Indian domestic heavyweights, this semi-final was a spine-chiller. Karnataka posted a massive 575 in the first innings, powered by centuries from Manish Pandey and CM Gautam. In reply, Mumbai crumbled to 68/4 before Sachin Tendulkar arrived—on special request—to bolster the team. His 85, along with Wasim Jaffer and Abhishek Nayar’s resilience, helped Mumbai close the gap. In a pulsating finish, Mumbai chased down 251 in the fourth innings, with Nayar playing a heroic knock under pressure, earning Mumbai a place in the final.
Legacy: It proved that Mumbai’s never-say-die attitude and bench strength, especially with players like Nayar and Jaffer, remained unmatched.
Match Stats:
| Detail | Karnataka | Mumbai |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | 575 (Pandey 144) | 402 (Tendulkar 85) |
| 2nd Innings | 179/3 decl. | 254/4 (Chased) |
| Star Performers | Pandey, Gautam | Nayar, Tendulkar |
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