India has improved by miles in Test cricket. And this perhaps wouldn’t have been possible without robust first-class tournaments in the country.
The Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy are two of those tournaments that have given some of the finest Test cricketers to India.
But both tournaments are different in how they function. So, what’s the difference between the Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy? Let’s find the answer here.
Ranji Trophy vs Duleep Trophy: History
First, let’s get into a bit of the history of both tournaments.
So, the Ranji Trophy is senior to the Duleep Trophy. The tournament started back in November 1934.
Before the Ranji Trophy, there was no formal cricket structure in India as such. While a few tournaments like the Bombay Pentangular took place, they were limited to certain regions.
So, there was a need for a national tournament. And then came the Ranji Trophy, providing an opportunity to players from across the country.
Cut to 1961, the Ranji Trophy’s playing standard wasn’t up to the mark. That’s what the BCCI felt.
So, the cricket body introduced the Duleep Trophy. It wasn’t brought in to replace the Ranji Trophy but rather to increase the competitiveness.
The idea was to reward the best performers from the Ranji Trophy. Think of it as another platform to show talent, but on a more competitive level, outside the comfort of one’s state team.
Ranji Trophy vs Duleep Trophy: Format
The format is where things get interesting. Both tournaments follow different formats.
The Ranji Trophy has a round-robin format in place. Teams first compete among their group opponents once before the knockouts kick in.
The Duleep Trophy, though, has largely been contested over a knockout format. While there have been a few seasons with a round-robin stage, you will see a maximum of five or six matches in either of the two formats.
Ranji Trophy vs Duleep Trophy: Teams
You’ll see 38 teams compete for the Ranji Trophy. The teams generally represent states and union territories (UTs) in India.
These teams are put into two divisions – elite and plate. The elite division comprises four groups with eight teams each, while the plate division has a single group of six teams.
The elite division competes for the glittery Ranji Trophy. Meanwhile, the plate division teams battle for a promotion to the elite division.
The plate division winners earn the promotion, while the worst-performing team from the elite division faces relegation.
When it comes to the Duleep Trophy, you’ll mostly see zonal teams in action. They represent six zones in India – Central, East, North, North East, South, and West.
The 38 Ranji Trophy teams fall under one of these zones. For instance, teams like Baroda, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Maharashtra, and Mumbai come under West Zone. So players from these teams will turn up for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
Ranji Trophy vs Duleep Trophy: Selection
Since teams represent states and UTs in the Ranji Trophy, the selectors of the respective state/UT association pick the squads. The associations organise tournaments in their respective regions or even hold trials for the selection.
As for the Duleep Trophy, state selectors from a zone collectively select the squads. The selection happens based on the player’s performance in the last season’s Ranji Trophy.
Ranji Trophy vs Duleep Trophy: Objective
The objective of both tournaments is more or less the same. Since both are national tournaments, they open a door to play for India, provided a player delivers a terrific performance.
But a call-up to the Duleep Trophy puts a player much closer to selection for India. Think of playing in the Duleep Trophy as representing a mini-India team.
You would share the dressing room with different players from your zone. This might be difficult to get along with the players in the first place. But that’s how the Indian team functions, isn’t it?
However, that doesn’t mean the Ranji Trophy is of less significance. Making it from thousands of players to represent your state is a matter of pride.
It takes a special level of talent to feature in the Ranji Trophy. Many have even gone on to play for India based on their Ranji credentials.
One good season in the Ranji Trophy, and you’ll be in the zonal team for the Duleep Trophy. And who knows, you might even make the Indian team!
Read Next | New Two-Ball Rule in Men’s ODI Cricket
