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Ranji Trophy 2025: Key Highlights

Published on March 9, 2025
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3 Min read time

Table of Contents

The Ranji Trophy 2025 has been an action-packed season, bringing thrilling encounters, standout individual performances, and the resurgence of domestic cricket’s importance. With India’s top players participating alongside rising talents, this season has been a perfect blend of experience and youthful energy. From record-breaking innings to nail-biting finishes, the tournament has once again proven why it remains the backbone of Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli’s Return Steals the Show

One of the biggest talking points of the Ranji Trophy 2025 was the much-anticipated return of Virat Kohli to domestic cricket after 13 years. Playing for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kohli’s presence alone transformed an otherwise routine fixture into a high-profile spectacle. Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium, showcasing their enthusiasm for first-class cricket like never before. His participation set an inspiring example for young cricketers and helped elevate the prestige of the Ranji Trophy.

Emerging Stars Shine Bright

This season saw the rise of several young cricketers who could soon find themselves in the national squad. Sarfaraz Khan, who has been knocking on the selectors’ doors for years, continued his dominance with multiple centuries, reinforcing his case for an India call-up. Yashasvi Jaiswal, known for his flamboyant stroke play, displayed solid temperament in the longer format, scoring crucial runs for Mumbai.

In the bowling department, Vidwath Kaverappa from Karnataka and Akash Deep from Bengal turned heads with their fiery pace and ability to extract movement, troubling some of the best domestic batters. Their performances have put them on the selectors’ radar for future red-ball assignments.

Unforgettable Matches and Close Finishes

The knockout stages of Ranji Trophy 2025 provided some of the most thrilling cricket seen in recent years. The quarterfinal clash between Mumbai and Karnataka was an instant classic, with Mumbai clinching victory in the final session of Day 5. The match saw brilliant centuries, aggressive bowling spells, and a test of endurance that reminded fans why red-ball cricket is so special.

Another unforgettable encounter was the semi-final between Bengal and Saurashtra, where Saurashtra’s lower-order resilience helped them script a stunning comeback win. The game was a reminder of the unpredictability of first-class cricket, where momentum can shift at any time.

The Rise of Fast Bowlers in Ranji Trophy

Traditionally, Indian pitches have been known for assisting spinners, but the Ranji Trophy 2025 has seen a significant shift, with fast bowlers dominating the wickets column. Young pacers have made a strong impact, and teams that relied on a strong pace attack found success. Bengal’s Ishan Porel and Madhya Pradesh’s Avesh Khan consistently troubled batsmen with their pace and accuracy. The growing dominance of pacers signals a positive shift for Indian cricket, especially for overseas Test tours.

A Boost for Domestic Cricket

The BCCI’s decision to mandate the participation of centrally contracted players in domestic cricket unless injured has played a key role in revitalizing the tournament. With senior players like Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant returning to their state teams, the competition level was elevated, and viewership saw a noticeable boost. The presence of international stars not only benefited young players but also drew larger crowds and increased media attention.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Ranji Trophy

As the Ranji Trophy 2025 concludes, it is evident that India’s domestic cricket is in a strong position. With renewed interest from fans, increased participation from top players, and the emergence of promising young talent, the tournament has once again proven its importance in shaping the future of Indian cricket.

As India prepares for upcoming international series, several players from this season’s Ranji Trophy are expected to receive well-deserved call-ups. The tournament has reaffirmed its role as the stepping stone to international cricket, ensuring that the Indian team continues to have a strong talent pipeline for years to come.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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