Want to know how to play in Ranji Trophy? Start with local academies, excel in age-group cricket, and get selected through state trials. Learn the step-by-step process, eligibility rules, and salary structure in India’s premier domestic cricket tournament!”
“The Ranji Trophy, established by the BCCI in 1934, remains one of India’s most revered domestic cricket competitions. But here’s the thing—you can’t just walk in and play. If you want to be part of it, you’ve got to prove yourself in the selection process first. No shortcuts!”
First, you need to learn cricket properly, and the best way to do that is by joining a cricket academy. This is where your Ranji Trophy dream begins. Look for academies where former Ranji or state-level players have trained, or where the coaches are highly skilled.
If you’re not sure which academies are in your city, you can check the blog’s homepage—we’ve listed them there. Pick a location near your home to minimize travel time and simplify your practice routine.
How to Play in Ranji Trophy Step by Step Guide
To play in the Ranji Trophy, you need to take it step by step.
Start with domestic cricket!
- Sign up for a local cricket academy, practice regularly to sharpen your skills, and take part in their tournaments.
- Play in school-level cricket tournaments to gain experience.
- Give Trial for district-level tournaments Like Under-14, Under-16 and Under-19. Participate in inter-district tournaments and perform your best to get selected.
This will be your first big step toward success.
Check out this video to learn more.
State Level Cricket
If talented players perform well at the district level, they can catch the attention of state team selectors and get called for trials.
Before the trial, here are a few things you should remember.
- Selectors look for players with strong technical skills, good physical fitness, and mental toughness.
- They judge players based on skill and how well they perform under pressure.
- In the end, those who perform best during the trial get selected for the state team.
Performing well in the state team makes the path to playing the Ranji Trophy easier.
How to Give a Trial for Ranji?
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- Some states hold open trials for Ranji Trophy.
- Follow your state cricket association’s website for trial announcements.
- Former Ranji players/coaches can recommend you if you perform well in local clubs/academies.
The BCCI organizes state-level junior domestic competitions like Under-14, Under-16, Under-19, and Under-25. To earn selection for the Ranji Trophy, players must consistently perform well in age-group tournaments. Outstanding performances catch the selectors’ eye, opening doors to prestigious senior-level tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Irani Trophy. Excelling in these tournaments is a pathway to securing a place in the Ranji Trophy squad.
What Are Ranji Trophy Rules?
The Ranji Trophy, India’s top domestic first-class cricket competition, follows standard cricket rules but has some unique regulations of its own.
Match Format & Duration:
- Teams are divided into Elite Groups (top-tier) and Plate Group (newer/weaker teams).
- 4-day matches (3 innings max per team).
- The final match will be played for 5 days
Points System
- Win: 6 points
- Tie/Draw: 3 points
- First-innings lead: 1 point (if match drawn)
- Bonus point: 1 extra for an innings win.
Playing Conditions
Follow-on rule: 150-run lead in 1st innings (like Tests).
- The new ball will be available after 80 overs.
- DRS (Umpire Reviews) used in knockout stages.
Eligibility
- Must be registered with the State Cricket Association.
- No overseas players allowed (only domestic cricketers).
Tiebreaker
Higher group position → 1st innings lead → Net Run Rate (NRR).
Do Ranji Players Get Salary?
Yes, Ranji Trophy players receive match fees from the BCCI, with payments based on experience and squad status. Here’s the current salary structure:
Ranji Trophy Match Fees:
- 41-60 matches:
- Playing XI: ₹60,000/day
- Reserves: ₹30,000/day
- 21-40 matches:
- Playing XI: ₹50,000/day
- Reserves: ₹25,000/day
- 0-20 matches:
- Playing XI: ₹40,000/day
- Reserves: ₹20,000/day
Non-playing squad members: ₹25,000/day
Additional Earnings:
- Seasonal contracts with state associations (varies by team).
- Prize money for knockout stages.
- IPL/other league opportunities for standout performers.
Key Notes:
- Payments are per match day, so a 4-day game = 4x daily fee.
- Senior players (e.g., with 50+ matches) earn significantly more.
- Reserves get half fees—a reason to aim for the playing XI!
While not as lucrative as the IPL, Ranji salaries provide stability for domestic cricketers. Consistent performers can earn ₹10-15 lakh per season (before bonuses).
Can I Play IPL Without Ranji?
Yes, it’s possible to play in the IPL even without prior experience in the Ranji Trophy. While the Ranji Trophy is a traditional pathway for players to get noticed, the IPL franchises often scout talent directly from other platforms like:.
- Local T20 leagues
- IPL trials & open camps
- U-19 performances
- Pace bowling & all-rounder showcases
Examples of Players Who Made It Without Ranji
- Kamran Khan (Rajasthan Royals, discovered from tennis-ball cricket)
- Ashwani Kumar (Lucknow Super Giants, picked from trials)
- Digvesh Rathi (who was scouted by Mumbai Indians from local cricket matches)
- Aniket Verma (Kolkata Knight Riders, selected through IPL auctions)
Franchises prioritize skill, potential, and adaptability over domestic cricket experience. If you excel in shorter formats or impress scouts, you can get picked directly—just like these players did. While Ranji Trophy helps, it’s not the only route. Focus on performance in T20s, fitness, and visibility to grab IPL opportunities.
Conclusion
For aspiring Indian cricketers, the Ranji Trophy is the defining challenge—a career-shaping journey that begins in local academies and leads to domestic glory. While the journey demands hard work—starting from district-level tournaments, excelling in age-group cricket, and impressing state selectors—the rewards are worth it. Not only do players earn match fees and gain recognition, but strong performances can also open doors to the IPL and higher honors like national team selection.
Even if you haven’t played Ranji, alternative routes like local T20 leagues and IPL trials can still lead to success. Mumbai’s dominance (41 titles!) sets the benchmark, but every season brings new talent and fierce competition.
Final Thought
For aspiring Indian cricketers, the Ranji Trophy is the defining challenge—a career-shaping journey that begins in local academies and leads to domestic glory. While the journey demands hard work—starting from district-level tournaments, excelling in age-group cricket, and impressing state selectors—the rewards are worth it. Not only do players earn match fees and gain recognition, but strong performances can also open doors to the IPL and higher honors like national team selection.
Even if you haven’t played Ranji, alternative routes like local T20 leagues and IPL trials can still lead to success. Mumbai’s dominance (41 titles!) sets the benchmark, but every season brings new talent and fierce competition.
So, whether you dream of lifting the Ranji Trophy or making it big in the IPL, the key lies in relentless practice, consistent performances, and seizing every opportunity. The pitch is yours—now go out and make your mark!
FAQs
What is The Full Name of Ranji?
The full name of Ranji is the “Ranji Trophy.” This name honors the legendary Indian cricketer, Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, popularly known as Ranji.
Which is No 1 Ranji Team?
Mumbai stands as the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history, having clinched a record 41 titles—more than any other team in the tournament.
Is Ranji Trophy Test?
The Ranji Trophy is a first-class cricket competition in India, not an official Test match series. It follows similar multi-day formats but is played domestically between state teams.
Are Ranji Trophy Tickets Free?
Tickets for Ranji Trophy matches are generally free for spectators, as most games are played at local grounds with open access. However, some knockout games or finals may charge a nominal fee.
Hi, my name is Mayank. I’m a full-time blogger, and I’ve been working in this field for the last 3 years. I try to provide you with accurate information through my blog. Thanks for staying connected!
