Mumbai, February 27, 2024 India’s middle-order batsman, Shreyas Iyer, is set to make a comeback in the Ranji Trophy semi-final for Mumbai. Iyer had been sidelined due to back spasms, which kept him out of the quarter-final clash against Baroda. His return is significant, especially considering the ongoing scrutiny around player availability for domestic matches and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Backstory
Iyer played the first two Tests against England, scoring 29, 27, 13, and 35 in his last four innings.
However, he was dropped for the final three tests, raising questions about his selection.
India captain Rohit Sharma emphasized that players with the hunger to perform in tests would be prioritized.
Iyer’s case became more curious after he took a personal break and opted not to play in the Ranji Trophy.
In contrast, his Mumbai teammate, Sarfaraz Khan, made his Test debut in Rajkot, starting with twin half-centuries.
Shreyas Iyer Return
Shreyas Iyer’s participation in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu raises concerns over recurring injuries.
He missed the IPL last year due to back surgery but returned to the ODI setup ahead of the Asia Cup.
During the World Cup, Iyer was a key member of the Indian squad, contributing 530 runs in 11 innings.
In IPL 2024, he is set to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders, teaming up with coach Chandrakant Pandit.
The BCCI has warned players about “severe implications” if they skip Tests and domestic games for the IPL.
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Ishan Kishan’s comeback
Alongside Iyer, Ishan Kishan also returned to competitive cricket, playing for the Reserve Bank of India in the DY Patil T20 tournament.
Kishan’s case has been intriguing, given his personal break and decision to skip Ranji Trophy matches.
In the DY Patil T20 game, Kishan scored 19 off 12 balls.
Conclusion
Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion in the Mumbai squad for the semi-final is a boost for the team. As the Ranji Trophy reaches its crucial stages, all eyes will be on Iyer’s performance and his readiness for the IPL season ahead.
How many matches are played in a season of the Ranji Trophy
The Ranji Trophy is a premier domestic first-class cricket championship played in India. It is organized annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Tournament Structure:
- The Ranji Trophy currently consists of 38 teams.
- All 28 states in India and four of the eight union territories are represented.
- The competition follows a round-robin format initially, where teams play against each other.
- After the round-robin stage, the tournament transitions to a knockout phase.
Elite and Plate Groups (2022–23 Format):
- In the 2022–23 season, the Ranji Trophy has been split into two categories: Elite and Plate.
- The Elite competition features 32 teams divided into four groups of eight.
- Each team plays seven league games.
- The top two teams from each elite group qualify for the quarterfinals.
- The bottom two teams from all four Elite groups combined (based on points and quotient) face relegation.
Historical Significance:
- The tournament was founded in 1934 and was initially named “The Cricket Championship of India.”
- It was later renamed after Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play international cricket.
- The Mumbai cricket team holds the record for the most wins, with 41 titles.
- The current titleholder is the Saurashtra cricket team (2022–23 edition).
Cancellation in 2020-21:
- The 2020-21 Ranji Trophy was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic—the first time since its inception that the tournament was not held.
The Ranji Trophy remains a prestigious platform for cricketers to showcase their talent and compete at the domestic level.
What is the prize money for winning the Ranji Trophy
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has significantly increased the prize money for the Ranji Trophy in recent times. Here are the updated prize amounts for the winners, runners-up, and semi-finalists:
- Winners: The team that clinches the Ranji Trophy title will now receive a whopping ₹5 crore (previously ₹2 crore).
- Runners-up: The second-place team will be awarded ₹3 crore (previously ₹1 crore).
- Semi-finalists: Teams reaching the semi-finals will earn ₹1 crore each (previously ₹50 lakhs).
This substantial increase in prize money aims to recognize and reward outstanding performances in India’s premier domestic cricket tournament.
