by The Ranji Trophy isn’t just a tournament. It’s where Indian cricket legends are born.
Since 1934, this domestic competition has been the proving ground for every cricketer dreaming of wearing the India cap.
From Sunil Gavaskar’s elegant batting to Sachin Tendulkar’s record-breaking runs, from Anil Kumble’s wizardry to Virat Kohli’s aggressive brilliance—they all started here, on dusty maidans and packed stadiums, representing their states with pride.
Named after Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, the legendary Indian prince who played for England, the Ranji Trophy began in 1934 with just a handful of teams.
Today, it features 38 teams across multiple groups, making it one of the longest-running and most competitive domestic cricket tournaments in the world.
The tournament follows a knockout and group-stage format, with matches played over four or five days—real Test cricket that separates pretenders from contenders.
Teams battle not just for silverware but for survival, pride, and the chance to showcase talent to national selectors who watch every match closely.
Ranji Trophy Winners & Runners-Up List (1934–2025)
This article presents the complete Ranji Trophy winners & runners-up list from 1934 to 2025, celebrating 90+ years of domestic cricket excellence, regional rivalries, and the stories that shaped Indian cricket into the powerhouse it is today.
Let’s dive into the history, the heroes, and the heartbreaks that define India’s greatest domestic cricket competition.
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How It All Began: The Early Years (1934–1950)
The inaugural 1934-35 Ranji Trophy featured Bombay defeating Northern India to become the first-ever champions.
That victory wasn’t just historic—it was prophetic. Bombay (later renamed Mumbai) would go on to dominate this tournament like no other team in cricket history.
In those early decades, teams like Nawanagar, Hyderabad, Bengal, and Maharashtra took turns lifting the trophy.
The 1940s saw an interesting pattern emerge—teams like Holkar (now part of Madhya Pradesh) and Baroda became regular finalists, creating memorable rivalries that packed grounds across India.
The format was simpler then. Fewer teams, regional pride at stake, and cricket played on uneven pitches that tested technique and temperament equally.
Players earned little money but massive respect. Every run mattered. Every wicket was celebrated like a festival.
These foundational years established the Ranji Trophy as India’s premier talent pipeline.
Selectors knew that success here meant readiness for international cricket. That principle still holds today.
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The Complete Ranji Trophy Winners & Runners-Up List (1934–2025)
Here’s the comprehensive table showing every winner and runner-up since the tournament’s inception. This Ranji Trophy winners & runners-up list tells the story of Indian domestic cricket across nine decades:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 1934-35 | Bombay | Northern India |
| 1935-36 | Bombay | Madras |
| 1936-37 | Nawanagar | Bengal |
| 1937-38 | Hyderabad | Nawanagar |
| 1938-39 | Bengal | Southern Punjab |
| 1939-40 | Maharashtra | United Provinces |
| 1940-41 | Maharashtra | Madras |
| 1941-42 | Bombay | Mysore |
| 1942-43 | Baroda | Hyderabad |
| 1943-44 | Western India | Bengal |
| 1944-45 | Bombay | Holkar |
| 1945-46 | Holkar | Baroda |
| 1946-47 | Baroda | Holkar |
| 1947-48 | Holkar | Bombay |
| 1948-49 | Bombay | Baroda |
| 1949-50 | Baroda | Holkar |
| 1950-51 | Holkar | Gujarat |
| 1951-52 | Bombay | Holkar |
| 1952-53 | Holkar | Bengal |
| 1953-54 | Bombay | Holkar |
| 1954-55 | Madras | Holkar |
| 1955-56 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1956-57 | Bombay | Services |
| 1957-58 | Baroda | Services |
| 1958-59 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1959-60 | Bombay | Mysore |
| 1960-61 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1961-62 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1962-63 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1963-64 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1964-65 | Bombay | Hyderabad |
| 1965-66 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1966-67 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1967-68 | Bombay | Madras |
| 1968-69 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1969-70 | Bombay | Rajasthan |
| 1970-71 | Bombay | Maharashtra |
| 1971-72 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1972-73 | Bombay | Tamil Nadu |
| 1973-74 | Karnataka | Rajasthan |
| 1974-75 | Bombay | Karnataka |
| 1975-76 | Bombay | Bihar |
| 1976-77 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1977-78 | Karnataka | Uttar Pradesh |
| 1978-79 | Delhi | Karnataka |
| 1979-80 | Delhi | Bombay |
| 1980-81 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1981-82 | Delhi | Karnataka |
| 1982-83 | Karnataka | Bombay |
| 1983-84 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1984-85 | Bombay | Delhi |
| 1985-86 | Delhi | Haryana |
| 1986-87 | Hyderabad | Delhi |
| 1987-88 | Tamil Nadu | Railways |
| 1988-89 | Delhi | Bengal |
| 1989-90 | Bengal | Delhi |
| 1990-91 | Haryana | Bombay |
| 1991-92 | Delhi | Tamil Nadu |
| 1992-93 | Punjab | Maharashtra |
| 1993-94 | Bombay | Bengal |
| 1994-95 | Bombay | Punjab |
| 1995-96 | Karnataka | Tamil Nadu |
| 1996-97 | Mumbai | Delhi |
| 1997-98 | Karnataka | Uttar Pradesh |
| 1998-99 | Karnataka | Madhya Pradesh |
| 1999-00 | Mumbai | Hyderabad |
| 2000-01 | Baroda | Railways |
| 2001-02 | Railways | Baroda |
| 2002-03 | Mumbai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2003-04 | Mumbai | Tamil Nadu |
| 2004-05 | Railways | Punjab |
| 2005-06 | Uttar Pradesh | Bengal |
| 2006-07 | Mumbai | Bengal |
| 2007-08 | Delhi | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2008-09 | Mumbai | Uttar Pradesh |
| 2009-10 | Mumbai | Karnataka |
| 2010-11 | Rajasthan | Baroda |
| 2011-12 | Rajasthan | Tamil Nadu |
| 2012-13 | Mumbai | Saurashtra |
| 2013-14 | Karnataka | Maharashtra |
| 2014-15 | Karnataka | Tamil Nadu |
| 2015-16 | Mumbai | Saurashtra |
| 2016-17 | Gujarat | Mumbai |
| 2017-18 | Vidarbha | Delhi |
| 2018-19 | Vidarbha | Saurashtra |
| 2019-20 | Saurashtra | Bengal |
| 2020-21 | Not held | COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Mumbai |
| 2022-23 | Saurashtra | Bengal |
| 2023-24 | Mumbai | Vidarbha |
| 2024-25 | Vidarbha | Kerala |
Key Observations from the Ranji Trophy Winners List:
- Mumbai’s unmatched dominance: 42 titles across nine decades
- Karnataka’s consistency: 8 championships, a major force since the 1970s
- Delhi’s golden period: 7 titles, mostly concentrated in the 1980s-2000s
- New challengers: Vidarbha, Saurashtra, and Madhya Pradesh are breaking traditional hierarchies
- Rajasthan’s heartbreak: Appeared in 9 consecutive finals (1960s-70s) but won only twice (2010-12)
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Mumbai: The Undisputed Kings of Indian Domestic Cricket
When people search for the Ranji Trophy most winners list, one name towers above all others: Mumbai.
With 42 titles since 1934, Mumbai’s dominance is almost absurd. To put it in perspective, Karnataka, the second-most successful team, has 8 titles. That’s the gap we’re talking about.
Mumbai’s most legendary period was the 15-year winning streak from 1958-59 to 1972-73. Fifteen consecutive championships.
No other team in cricket history has achieved anything remotely similar in a major domestic competition.
What made Mumbai so dominant?
- 1. Cricket Culture: Cricket is a religion in Mumbai. Every neighborhood has grounds where kids play from dawn to dusk. The competition for spots in school and club teams is brutal, creating a survival-of-the-fittest environment that produces tough, skilled players.
- 2. Infrastructure: Mumbai has always had better facilities, coaching, and resources compared to other regions. The Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and numerous club grounds provide world-class practice environments.
- 3. Mental Toughness: Mumbai cricket teaches you to fight. Players learn to handle pressure, perform in crunch situations, and never give up. That mentality translates to success in the Ranji Trophy’s knockout stages.
4. Star Power: The list of legends who played for Mumbai reads like a cricket hall of fame:
- Sunil Gavaskar
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Dilip Vengsarkar
- Ajit Wadekar
- Rohit Sharma
- Zaheer Khan
- Ajinkya Rahane
These weren’t just talented cricketers—they were match-winners who delivered when championships were on the line.
Mumbai’s most recent title came in 2023-24 when they defeated Vidarbha in the final, ending an eight-year drought. That victory proved Mumbai’s hunger remains intact even as new challengers emerge.
The Rise of Regional Powers: Karnataka, Delhi, and Others
While Mumbai dominated, other teams have had their moments in the sun, creating their own legacies in the Ranji Trophy winner and runner up list.
- Karnataka: The Southern Powerhouse
Karnataka emerged as Mumbai’s biggest challenger from the 1970s onwards. Their 8 titles include dominant periods in the late 1990s and 2010s.
Players like Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Javagal Srinath, and KL Rahul all honed their skills in Karnataka colors. The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore became a fortress where Karnataka teams played aggressive, entertaining cricket.
-
Delhi: The Capital’s Contribution
Delhi’s 7 titles came primarily between 1978 and 2008, a 30-year period when they were consistently competitive. The city produced stalwarts like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Ishant Sharma.
Delhi teams were known for their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure. Their finals against Mumbai were legendary battles that defined Indian domestic cricket in the 1980s.
-
Baroda, Tamil Nadu, and Bengal
These traditional cricketing centers have multiple titles to their names:
- Baroda: 5 titles (1940s-2000s), produced legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan
- Tamil Nadu: 1 title but regular finalists, contributed Ravichandran Ashwin, Dinesh Karthik
- Bengal: 1 title (1989-90), consistently competitive with players like Sourav Ganguly
These teams prove that cricket talent exists across India, not just in metropolitan centers.
Vidarbha’s Fairy Tale: The New Era of Ranji Trophy
If you’re looking for an inspiring underdog story in the Ranji trophy winners & runners up list 2022 onwards, look no further than Vidarbha.
Based in Nagpur, Vidarbha had never won the Ranji Trophy until 2017-18. They weren’t considered a cricketing powerhouse.
They didn’t have Mumbai’s infrastructure or Karnataka’s legacy. But they had belief, discipline, and hunger.
Under coach Chandrakant Pandit’s leadership, Vidarbha won back-to-back titles in 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Those victories weren’t flukes—they were built on solid cricket fundamentals, team unity, and fearless performances in pressure situations.
After a few years, Vidarbha roared back in 2024-25, defeating Kerala in the final to claim their third title.
The Ranji Trophy runner up 2025 was Kerala, making their first-ever final appearance—another sign that the tournament is becoming more competitive and unpredictable.
What makes Vidarbha’s story special:
- Team over individuals: No superstars, just collective excellence
- Disciplined approach: Focused on basics—good bowling, solid batting, smart fielding
- Chandrakant Pandit’s coaching: His methods transformed Vidarbha into champions
- Home advantage: The VCA Stadium in Nagpur became a fortress
Vidarbha’s success has inspired other smaller states. It’s proof that with proper planning, coaching, and commitment, any team can challenge traditional powers.
Other Modern Champions: Breaking the Mold
Recent decades have seen several unexpected winners, making the Ranji Trophy winners list more diverse:
- Saurashtra (2019-20, 2022-23)
Based in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, they’ve become consistent performers. Their 2019-20 title came after defeating Bengal in the final, with players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja (when available) leading from the front.
- Madhya Pradesh (2021-22)
Their maiden title in 2021-22 was a breakthrough moment. Defeating 41-time champions Mumbai in the final, they showed that hard work and teamwork can overcome historical disadvantages.
- Gujarat (2016-17)
Gujarat’s first title came by defeating Mumbai in the final. That victory was symbolic—the student beating the master, proving that Mumbai’s dominance could be challenged.
- Rajasthan (2010-11, 2011-12)
After losing 9 finals in the 1960s and 70s, Rajasthan finally broke through with back-to-back titles in 2010-12. Those victories were emotionally charged, ending decades of heartbreak for Rajasthan cricket.
Quick Facts: Ranji Trophy Winners List Highlights
For those searching for the Ranji trophy winners & runners up list PDF or quick reference points, here are the essential facts:
Most Successful Teams:
- Mumbai: 42 titles (most successful)
- Karnataka: 8 titles
- Delhi: 7 titles
- Vidarbha: 3 titles
- Baroda: 5 titles
- Holkar: 4 titles
Longest Winning Streak:
- Mumbai: 15 consecutive titles (1958-59 to 1972-73)
Recent Champions (Last 10 Years):
- 2024-25: Vidarbha
- 2023-24: Mumbai
- 2022-23: Saurashtra
- 2021-22: Madhya Pradesh
- 2019-20: Saurashtra
- 2018-19: Vidarbha
- 2017-18: Vidarbha
- 2016-17: Gujarat
- 2015-16: Mumbai
- 2014-15: Karnataka
First Champion:
- Bombay (1934-35)
Most Finals Appearances:
- Mumbai: 47 finals (42 wins, 5 losses)
COVID-19 Impact:
- 2020-21 season was canceled
Impact on Indian Cricket: The Ranji Trophy’s True Legacy
The Ranji Trophy isn’t just about winners and runners-up. It’s about creating cricketers ready for international competition.
Every Indian cricket legend started here. Sunil Gavaskar scored mountains of runs for Mumbai. Sachin Tendulkar announced his genius in Ranji matches before conquering the world. Virat Kohli learned to bat under pressure while playing for Delhi.
The tournament teaches skills you can’t learn in T20 leagues:
- 1. Patience: Four and five-day matches require mental endurance. You can’t hit your way out of trouble—you must grind, adapt, and survive.
- 2. Technique: Red-ball cricket exposes technical flaws brutally. If your defense has holes or your bowling lacks discipline, Ranji Trophy batters and bowlers will exploit them mercilessly.
- 3. Pressure Management: Playing for your state carries enormous pride. Every match matters for career progression. That pressure prepares players for international cricket’s mental demands.
- 4. Team Building: Unlike franchise cricket, where players come and go, Ranji teams build chemistry over seasons. That unity creates special atmospheres and memorable victories.
National selectors use Ranji performances as the primary criterion for India selection. Consistent Ranji performers get opportunities. One-dimensional T20 specialists struggle if they can’t succeed in longer formats.
The tournament has also democratized Indian cricket. Players from smaller towns—Nagpur, Rajkot, Indore—can now compete on equal footing with Mumbai and Bangalore stars. That expansion has enriched Indian cricket’s talent pool immensely.
The Future: Where Does Ranji Trophy Go From Here?
As the Ranji Trophy enters its 10th decade, several trends are shaping its future:
- 1. Increased Professionalism: State boards are paying players better. Fitness standards have improved. Coaching quality has risen across regions.
- 2. Technology Integration: Live streaming makes matches accessible to fans nationwide. Statistics tracking helps identify emerging talent early.
- 3. Competition Balance: More teams are competitive now. The gap between traditional powers and newer teams is narrowing, making tournaments more unpredictable and exciting.
- 4. IPL Impact: While IPL offers financial rewards, Ranji Trophy remains essential for developing complete cricketers. The BCCI has mandated IPL players participate in Ranji matches to maintain standards.
- 5. Fan Engagement: Social media brings fans closer to domestic cricket. Players build followings, states develop rivalries, and matches trend online—creating buzz that didn’t exist before.
The challenge is maintaining relevance in an age dominated by T20 cricket. But Test cricket’s importance to Indian cricket ensures the Ranji Trophy remains valuable. As long as India values Test success, the Ranji Trophy will thrive.
Conclusion: Celebrating 90+ Years of Excellence
The Ranji Trophy winners & runners-up list from 1934 to 2025 tells a remarkable story of Mumbai’s unmatched dominance, regional pride, emerging underdogs, and the evolution of Indian cricket from colonial pastime to global powerhouse.
Mumbai’s 42 titles represent sustained excellence across generations. Karnataka, Delhi, and Baroda have created their own legacies.
Vidarbha’s recent rise proves that determination can overcome historical disadvantages.
Every name on this list—winners and runners-up alike—contributed to Indian cricket’s growth. They provided the foundation upon which international success was built.
They nurtured legends who conquered world cricket.
As the tournament continues evolving, one thing remains constant: the Ranji Trophy is where dreams begin, where talent is tested, and where Indian cricket’s future is forged.
Here’s to 90+ years of excellence and to the champions—past, present, and future—who make this tournament special.
