What Happens if Ranji Trophy Final Ends in a Draw?

The Ranji Trophy is an elite first-class cricket tournament in India. A total of 38 teams fight to become champions every season. And only two of those teams actually get a step closer to lifting the trophy.

But what happens if the Ranji Trophy final ends in a draw?

A first-class match ending in a draw is nothing new. And the same applies to the Ranji Trophy. So, a draw in the Ranji Trophy final is highly possible. 

Now you must be wondering: who wins the tournament then?

There are a few scenarios to decide the winner of the Ranji Trophy final. 

Scenario 1: First Innings Lead Taken

Let’s go through the 2024/25 final. Vidarbha and Kerala faced each other in the title clash. 

Vidarbha batted first and scored 379 runs. In response, Kerala mustered 342 runs, handing Vidarbha a 37-run lead.

Vidarbha batted again and scored 375 for 9 before the match ended in a draw. Since Vidarbha took the first innings lead, they emerged as the winner.

But what if none of the teams takes the lead in the first innings?

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Scenario 2: First Innings Lead Not Taken

Neither team managing to take a lead means the first innings of both teams haven’t been completed.

This opens up a few criteria, based on which the winner will be decided.

In case teams don’t secure a first innings lead, the team with the most points in the group stage will become the winner.

What if the points are equal? Then the team with the most bonus points will take home the trophy.

If points and bonus points are also equal, then the most number of outright wins in the group stage will come into the picture.

If the teams are still equal, then the head-to-head record between both teams in the group stage will be considered. The team with an outright win will take the honours.

Even if this doesn’t determine the winner, then the team with the highest run quotient till the previous game will be crowned.

If none of the above criteria applies, then both teams will be announced as joint-winners.

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