Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Ranji Trophy Needs Rethink Amidst Record-Breaking Feats by Emerging Teams
Imagine a big school cricket tournament called the Ranji Trophy.
Recently, some newer teams, especially those from a region called the Northeast, have started playing.
One player, Akash, hit eight sixes in a row, which is super rare!
Another player, Tanmay, hit a triple hundred very fast and smashed a lot of sixes too.
These amazing performances are happening against teams that haven't won many games.
Some cricket experts think this means the tournament needs to change.
They wonder if the newer teams should play in a different group first before playing against the very best teams.
This way, the top games would be more exciting.
However, others say that any record broken is still a record and that these newer teams are improving.
They also point out that organizing a tournament with so many teams is already very difficult.
So, people are discussing if the tournament format should be adjusted to ensure fair and competitive matches for everyone involved.
Meghalaya's Akash Kumar Choudhary set a new first-class record by hitting eight consecutive sixes and a half-century in just 11 balls.
Recent Ranji Trophy seasons have seen unprecedented feats, including record win margins and rapid scoring by emerging teams.
Tanmay Agarwal of Hyderabad also broke multiple records, including the fastest triple century and most sixes in an innings.
Former cricketers like Saba Karim suggest rethinking the Ranji Trophy structure, possibly by creating a tiered system with Elite and Plate divisions.
While some argue for structural changes to maintain competitive balance, others emphasize the validity of records and the logistical challenges of restructuring the tournament.
- Who
- Akash Kumar Choudhary (Meghalaya), Tanmay Agarwal (Hyderabad), Saba Karim (Former BCCI GM), Sheldon Jackson (Saurashtra)
- What
- Emerging teams achieving unprecedented batting records and wide margins of victory, raising questions about the structure of the Ranji Trophy.
- When
- Recent Ranji Trophy seasons, including the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
- Where
- Various grounds across India hosting Ranji Trophy matches, involving teams from the Northeast and established cricketing regions.
- Why
- The expansion of the Ranji Trophy to include more teams, particularly from the Northeast, has led to a dilution of competition quality, resulting in lopsided matches and extraordinary record-breaking events.
Arguments for Rethinking the Ranji Trophy Structure
Arguments Against Significant Structural Changes
Quality of Competition and Record Dilution
Arguments for Rethinking the Ranji Trophy Structure
The integration of newly formed teams from the Northeast into the First-Class structure dilutes the quality of competition, leading to lopsided matches and records that may not reflect the same level of achievement as in more established cricketing nations or elite divisions. This suggests a need for a tiered system.
Arguments Against Significant Structural Changes
Records are records regardless of the opposition. Achieving feats like eight consecutive sixes or a triple century requires exceptional skill. While some teams are evolving, any distinction could undermine the progress of emerging teams and the efforts of players.
Impact of Expanded Ranji Trophy
Arguments for Rethinking the Ranji Trophy Structure
The BCCI's expansion to 38 teams has created a situation where fledgling teams often face established ones, leading to unprecedented margins of victory and rapid record-breaking. This structure may not be conducive to competitive red-ball cricket and warrants a review.
Arguments Against Significant Structural Changes
The current system, though accommodating many teams, is a logistical challenge for the BCCI. Reconstructing the entire structure to create tiers would be difficult and might prevent teams from reaching the top flight, thus hindering their development.
Potential for Tiered System
Arguments for Rethinking the Ranji Trophy Structure
A system with a Tier 1 (Elite) and Tier 2 (Plate division) could allow newer teams to gain First-Class status once they demonstrate consistent performance and promotion, ensuring a higher standard of play in the top tier.
Arguments Against Significant Structural Changes
Creating separate tiers could be problematic. While Northeast teams show promise in white-ball cricket, demarcating red-ball cricket might be complex. Monitoring evolving teams and making gradual adjustments seems more practical than a complete overhaul.
- Player Achievement
- Akash Kumar Choudhary (Meghalaya) hit eight consecutive sixes and a 11-ball half-century in a first-class match.
- Record Win Margin
- Mumbai beat Uttarakhand by 725 runs in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season.
- Fastest Triple Century
- Tanmay Agarwal (Hyderabad) scored the fastest triple century in 147 balls.
- Most Sixes in Innings
- Tanmay Agarwal hit 26 sixes in an innings, a first-class record.
- Number of Ranji Trophy Teams
- 38 teams participate in the current Ranji Trophy.
- Northeast Teams Integration
- Nine teams from the Northeast were integrated into the BCCI structure starting from the 2018-19 season.