Ranji Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Squads, Match Dates, Venues

The Ranji Trophy is the heartbeat of Indian domestic cricket. Since its inception in 1934, it has given India great cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar. As we enter 2025, the Ranji Trophy is once again taking centre stage. An extended season of red-ball cricket that tests temperament, skill and endurance like no other competition in India.

The 2025 edition is expected to be a landmark tournament, featuring a full league stage, knockouts and a grand final. With over 30 first-class teams representing states and territories, it is India’s biggest domestic cricket event.

Format of the Tournament 

The Ranji Trophy 2025 will follow the traditional league + knockout format:

• Elite Groups: Teams are divided into multiple groups (usually four), where they play in a round-robin format.

• Plate Group: Teams from developing cricket states compete here, with top sides gaining promotion.

• Points System: Wins, draws (with first-innings lead), and outright losses all contribute points. Every session counts, which makes Ranji cricket so tactical.

• Knockouts: The top teams from each group qualify for the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and the grand final.

• Match Duration: All games are played over four days in the league stage, while the knockout matches and final stretch to five days to allow a fair result.

Venues 

Matches are spread across state association stadiums and historic grounds.

Some of the key venues for the 2025 season include:

• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

• Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Feroz Shah Kotla (Arun Jaitley Stadium), Delhi

• Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

• Holkar Stadium, Indore

• Green Park, Kanpur, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, Guwahati Grounds, and HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.

The final will likely be played at a neutral, high-capacity venue chosen by the BCCI closer to the date.

Schedule

Squads Overview 

The Ranji Trophy is contested by state and regional teams. In this each fielding a mix of international players, India A cricketers, and young domestic stars. While the final squads for 2025 are to be officially announced by state associations, here’s an overview of what fans can expect from the key teams:

• Mumbai: The most successful Ranji team in history, with over 40 titles. Always stacked with batting talent and young quicks.

• Karnataka: Known for producing technically sound batters and quality spinners.

• Saurashtra: A rising powerhouse with strong seam bowlers.

• Delhi: Featuring young batters and IPL stars aiming to prove their red-ball credentials.

• Tamil Nadu: Consistently competitive, with a balanced squad and strong home advantage.

• Bengal: A team with rich history and passionate fan support, especially at Eden Gardens.

• Vidarbha: Recent champions who rely on discipline and teamwork.

• Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Punjab: Teams have the potential to be winners in their squads.

• North East Teams (Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim): They improve themselves at the Plate group and gain valuable experience.

Selectors will keep a close eye on Ranji performances, as this is often the final proving ground before Test and India A call-ups.

Related Article: Duleep Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Squads, Match Dates, Venues

Why The Ranji Trophy Matters 

Every Indian Test legend has first made his mark on the Ranji circuit. This long format emulates the demands of international Test cricket, making it the ultimate test of a cricketer’s patience and skill.

It also fosters regional pride, with states rallying around their teams. Matches in smaller towns often attract enthusiastic crowds, showing how deeply rooted cricket is in India.

What to Expect in Ranji Trophy 2025 

Fans can expect:

• Youngsters making headlines with match-winning knocks or fiery spells.

• Established internationals returning to keep their red-ball skills sharp.

• Hard-fought group battles, where every run and wicket matters for qualification.

• A thrilling knockout phase, culminating in a five-day final that crowns the champions of India.

The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with several teams evenly matched.

Conclusion

With a packed schedule, prestigious venues and teams packed with hungry players, this season will showcase talent and determination. Whether it’s a young player finding success or a senior professional making a comeback, the Ranji Trophy never fails to deliver inspiring stories.

From January to March 2025, cricket fans across India will once again be glued to the scorecards, live streams and radio commentary.

Want to know when and where the IPL, ICC, Asia World Cup, Ranji matches are going to be held? Take a look at Cricbites! Here you will get every detail about it along with its livescore.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When will the Ranji Trophy 2025 be played?

The tournament will run from January to March 2025, with the finals taking place at the end of March.

Q2. What are the total number of teams participating in the Ranji Trophy?

A total of 38 teams compete, divided into Elite and Plate groups.

Q3. What kind of format is used in the Ranji Trophy matches?

It has a league stage with a points system followed by knockouts (quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals).

Q4. Where will the Ranji Trophy 2025 final be held?

The BCCI will announce the final venue, but it is usually played at a major neutral venue.

Q5. Why is the Ranji Trophy important for Indian cricket?

It is a premier first-class tournament that develops players for Test cricket. Performances here often lead to call-ups to the India A and national teams.

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