Mumbai thrashed Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy 2024 semi-final to advance to the final for an unprecedented 48th time. Senior cricketer Shardul Thakur's maiden first-class century gave Mumbai a huge lead in the first innings. Tamil Nadu managed just 308 runs in both innings, which saw Mumbai win by an innings and 75 runs.
India's premier red-ball tournament, the Ranji Trophy, is considered a major pathway for players to reach the national team. Mumbai, who won the inaugural edition in the 1934–35 season, are the most successful state team in the tournament's history. They have won 41 titles along with six runner-up finishes, keeping them a long way from eight-time winners Karnataka.
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In this article, we take a look at the top 5 teams that have played the most Ranji Trophy finals.
#5. Madhya Pradesh - 12
The Madhya Pradesh cricket team, formerly known as the Holkar cricket team, is the fourth most successful team in the Ranji Trophy cricket. They have made 12 final appearances and were victorious on five occasions. Madhya Pradesh is currently playing in the semi-final of the 2024 season against Vidarbha and has all the chance to take the tally to 13.
#4. Karnataka - 14
Karnataka has produced many talents for the country through its domestic red ball tournament. Roger Binny, Javagal Srinath Gundappa Viswanath, Anil Kumble, KL Rahul, Rahul Dravid, Venkatesh Prasad are some of the great players who have represented the national team from the South Indian state. Karnataka has reached the finals of the Ranji Trophy 14 times and emerged victorious 8 times.
#3. Bengal - 15
Having played in the Ranji Trophy finals 15 times, Bengal have won two titles in their history. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, Manoj Tiwary, fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar are a few notable Indian cricketers from the Bengal state team.
#2. Delhi - 15
Both Delhi and Bengal have made 15 appearances in the Ranji Trophy final. However, the national capital team has won the prestigious title seven times - the third most successful team. Madan Lal, Mohinder Amarnath Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Ishant Sharma, Virat Kohli Shikhar Dhawan are some of the notable cricketers from Delhi who have excelled at the international level.
#1. Mumbai - 48
Mumbai, the powerhouse of the Indian domestic circuit, has reached the finals of the tournament 47 times. They come up with a squad of power-packed talent every season and shine on every occasion. Mumbai have won 41 titles in Ranji Trophy history and no other team is anywhere close to them. Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Vijay Merchant, Dilip Vengsarkar, Ajit Wadekar, Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma are some of the legendary Mumbai stars who have made their nation proud.