Ranji Trophy: Plenty of incentives for hopefuls as the grind begins
The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season begins with a mix of established stars and emerging talent looking to secure spots in the national team. The tournament serves as a critical scouting ground for selectors ahead of India's upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia.
Why it matters
The Ranji Trophy remains the backbone of Indian cricket, providing the necessary platform for players to transition into international Test cricket.
: There is an ever-so-slight feast and famine feel to this season’s Ranji Trophy.
The opening round of India’s premier red-ball competition, which begins on Sunday, is set to feature a battery of stars, including Karnataka’s K.L. Rahul and Mumbai’s Yashasvi Jaiswal.
But after that, the big guns are expected to depart for New Zealand, first for the A-series and then the Tests.
Yet, history shows that the Ranji terrain has seldom suffered a drought of great stories. The tournament is in its 10th decade, but like a classic old fiddle, it continues to play the good tunes.
One needs to look no further than the previous campaign when Jammu & Kashmir won its maiden Ranji title by overcoming past champions in Madhya Pradesh, Bengal and Karnataka consecutively.
Auqib Nabi’s chart-topping 60 wickets fashioned that historic triumph, and his prize was an India cap, albeit in the one-day game.
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