If you’re playing fantasy cricket on Vision11, understanding the history, evolution, and current format of the Ranji Trophy can help you build smarter teams and make better decisions.
Let’s take a simple yet informative walk through time — from the birth of the Ranji Trophy to its 2025 edition — and how you can make the most of it for your fantasy winnings.
????️ The Beginning of a Legacy (1934)
The Ranji Trophy began in 1934, named in honor of Ranjitsinhji, one of India’s first international cricket icons. Back then, only a handful of teams played. The competition was simple, with zonal winners facing off in knockout matches.
Fast forward to today — the tournament has grown into a 38-team national event, full of drama, determination, and talent.
It’s not just a tournament; it’s where careers begin. Stars like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and KL Rahul all made their mark here before becoming international heroes.
???? The Evolution Over the Years
Over the decades, the Ranji Trophy has constantly evolved to keep up with the changing dynamics of Indian cricket.
Major changes included:
- Expansion of Teams – From a few elite sides to 38 state and regional teams.
- Format Tweaks – From pure knockouts to group-stage + knockouts for better fairness.
- Points System – Rewarding first-innings leads, outright wins, and even drawn games.
- Pitch Standards – Improving the quality of pitches across zones to balance batting and bowling.
- Player Exposure – Today, it serves as the ultimate selection ground for India’s Test squad.
All these changes have made the tournament more competitive, structured, and fantasy-friendly.
For more on how the format works in 2025, check this detailed blog:
???? Ranji Trophy 2025: Format, History & Top Contenders – Vision11
???? Ranji Trophy 2025: What’s New?
The 2025 season is bigger and better, giving fantasy players more matches, more data, and more chances to win.
Here’s what you need to know:
- 38 teams are divided into four groups.
- Teams play round-robin league matches within their group.
- The top teams qualify for knockouts, leading to semis and the grand final.
- Matches are played over 4 or 5 days, making them highly strategic.
This structure allows you to track players’ form, pitch behavior, and team strengths more clearly, giving you an edge in fantasy contests.
???? Top Teams to Watch in 2025
Picking players from strong teams often pays off in fantasy cricket. Keep an eye on these consistent performers:
1. Mumbai
- The most decorated Ranji team ever.
- Strong batting lineup and proven winners.
2. Karnataka
- Home to several India players.
- Balanced mix of youth and experience.
3. Saurashtra
- Dominant in recent years.
- Known for their reliable bowling attack.
4. Tamil Nadu
- Tactical and adaptable.
- Many handy all-rounders for fantasy value.
5. Delhi
- Young squad with aggressive playing style.
- Good source of low-cost, high-reward picks.
???? How to Maximize Your Winnings on Vision11 with Ranji Trophy
Fantasy cricket is a game of skill and timing. Here’s how you can use Ranji Trophy matches to your advantage:
✅ 1. Pick Players with Recent Form
Don’t go by reputation alone. Ranji is all about current performance. Use Vision11’s player stats to track recent innings and bowling spells.
✅ 2. Focus on All-Rounders
All-rounders give you points with bat and ball. They’re your safety net in multi-day formats where game dynamics change rapidly.
✅ 3. Use the Pitch Report
Ranji matches are often played on spin-friendly or low-bounce pitches. If the surface favors spin, load your team with spinners.
✅ 4. Bank on Top-Order Batsmen
The top 3 usually face the most deliveries. If someone’s in form, they’re likely to make it count with a big score.
✅ 5. Be Smart About Captains & Vice-Captains
Choose consistent players for captain/vice-captain. In Ranji cricket, one 100+ score or a 5-wicket haul can turn your contest around.
???? Underrated Players Are Fantasy Gold
Many players in the Ranji Trophy are under the radar, but they score big and bowl tight. These players often come at a lower credit cost, helping you balance your team while maximizing point potential.
Watch out for:
- In-form wicketkeepers who bat high.
- Local spinners on their home grounds.
- Medium pacers on green or swinging tracks.
???? Final Thoughts
The Ranji Trophy is not just India’s oldest domestic cricket tournament — it's also one of the best formats to play smart, strategic fantasy cricket. The evolution from a basic knockout tournament to a multi-group competition gives fans more action and fantasy players more data to analyze.
If you’re using Vision11, you already have a powerful platform to win contests with low entry fees and high rewards. Now, with the right knowledge about the Ranji format, player form, and pitch conditions — you’ve got everything you need to start winning.