The Ranji Trophy is India’s top domestic cricket tournament. It was named after Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, a legendary cricketer. Started in 1934, it has been key in growing Indian cricket, helping many talents reach the national team. This guide lists all Ranji Trophy winners from the start to the latest season. It’s great for those interested in cricket history or who want to know the top teams in Indian domestic cricket.
Historical Significance of the Ranji Trophy Winner List
The Ranji Trophy started with 15 teams in pre-independence India. Now, it has 38 teams from different states and regions. The tournament has changed from a simple knockout to a league-cum-knockout format, making matches more competitive. Mumbai leads with 42 titles, showing the region’s strong cricket culture and talent. Teams like Karnataka, Delhi, and Vidarbha have also made their mark.
Complete Ranji Trophy Winner List (1934-35 to 2024-25)
Here is the full list of Ranji Trophy winners and runners-up from the start to the latest season. The table shows the winning team, the runner-up, and the captain of the winning team.
| Season | Winner | Runner-up | Winning Captain |
| 1934–35 | Bombay | Northern India | L.P. Jai |
| 1935–36 | Bombay | Madras | Hormasji Vajifdar |
| 1936–37 | Nawanagar | Bengal | Albert Wensley |
| 1937–38 | Hyderabad | Nawanagar | SM Hussain |
| 1938–39 | Bengal | Southern Punjab | Tom Longfield |
| 1939–40 | Maharashtra | United Provinces | DB Deodhar |
| 1940–41 | Maharashtra | Madras | DB Deodhar |
| 1941–42 | Bombay | Mysore | Vijay Merchant |
| 1942–43 | Baroda | Hyderabad | W Ghorpade |
| 1943–44 | Western India | Bengal | Herbert Barritt |
| 2022–23 | Saurashtra | Bengal | Jaydev Unadkat |
| 2023–24 | Mumbai | Vidarbha | Ajinkya Rahane |
| 2024–25 | Vidarbha | Kerala | Akshay Wadkar |
Note: The Ranji Trophy was not held during some periods, including during World War II (partially) and recently during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21 season).
Most Successful Teams in Ranji Trophy History
| Team | Titles | Most Recent Win |
| Mumbai/Bombay | 42 | 2023-24 |
| Karnataka/Mysore | 8 | 2014-15 |
| Delhi | 7 | 2007-08 |
| Baroda | 5 | 2000-01 |
| Madhya Pradesh/Holkar | 5 | 2021-22 |
| Saurashtra/Western India/Nawanagar | 4 | 2022-23 |
| Vidarbha | 3 | 2024-25 |
Mumbai’s Dominance in the Ranji Trophy
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the most successful team in the Ranji Trophy, having won 42 titles. They were unbeatable from 1958 to 1973, winning 15 consecutive times. This streak showed Mumbai’s strong cricket talent and infrastructure.
Recent Emerging Forces
While Mumbai’s past success is clear, recent years have seen other teams shine. Vidarbha and Saurashtra have won titles, showing cricket’s growth across India.
Memorable Finals in Ranji Trophy History
The 1990-91 final between Mumbai and Haryana is unforgettable in Ranji Trophy history. The Ranji Trophy has seen many thrilling finals. Here are some of the most memorable
1990-91: Haryana vs. Bombay
This final was incredibly dramatic. Haryana, led by Kapil Dev, beat Bombay by just 2 runs. Bombay needed 355 runs but fell short at 352/9, thanks to Dilip Vengsarkar’s 139.
2016-17: Gujarat vs. Mumbai
Gujarat won their first Ranji Trophy title by chasing 312 against Mumbai. Parthiv Patel’s 143 led Gujarat to a 5-wicket win, ending Mumbai’s long reign.
2021-22: Madhya Pradesh vs. Mumbai
Madhya Pradesh won their first Ranji Trophy under Aditya Shrivastava. They beat Mumbai, a 41-time champion. This win was special because MP’s coach, Chandrakant Pandit, had lost a final as a captain 23 years ago.
Recent Finals (2017-2025)
The Ranji Trophy winner list has seen new trends. Vidarbha won back-to-back titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Faiz Fazal led them to victory. Saurashtra also made a mark, winning in 2019-20 and 2022-23. Jaydev Unadkat was their captain. In 2024-25, Vidarbha won their third title. They beat Kerala, who were playing in their first final. Danish Malewar and Karun Nair scored key centuries for Vidarbha.
What makes the Ranji Trophy so significant in Indian cricket?
The Ranji Trophy is key to finding India’s cricket talent. Legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid started here. It tests players’ skills, temperament, and fitness for Test cricket.
Why has Mumbai been so dominant in the Ranji Trophy winner list?
Mumbai’s success comes from a strong cricket culture and great infrastructure. They have competitive leagues and a tradition of mentorship. Their “khadoos” attitude, valuing grit and determination, has helped them a lot.
The Evolving Legacy of Ranji Trophy Champions
The Ranji Trophy winner list shows Indian cricket’s growth over nearly nine decades. Teams like Mumbai have dominated, while Vidarbha and Saurashtra have risen. The tournament mirrors the changing Indian cricket scene. The Ranji Trophy is essential for developing India’s cricket talent. It has grown, adding more teams and formats. This ensures competitive cricket across the country. For cricket fans, the Ranji Trophy winner list is more than numbers. It’s a story of unforgettable matches, standout performances, and cricket’s growth in India.
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