The Romance of Ranji Trophy
Critics slam Ranji for being not competitive enough, they are quick to point out it allows mediocre talent to flourish. Many feel there are too many teams: India has 27, Australia only 6. Worse, pitches are batsmen friendly, umpiring standards not the best and at many venues facilities are not up to scratch .
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As another domestic cricket season goes into round two there is no denying the magic and romance of Ranji trophy. India's first class cricket is much maligned, it has its share of issues, but for hundreds of players who compete it is a lifeline of hope and promise .
Critics slam Ranji for being not competitive enough, they are quick to point out it allows mediocre talent to flourish. Many feel there are too many teams: India has 27, Australia only 6. Worse, pitches are batsmen friendly, umpiring standards not the best and at many venues facilities are not up to scratch .
Given these shortcomings, the net result is there is too much cricket and too little quality. Which is why so many Ranji tigers flop miserably when promoted to the next, higher level. Still, despite all its flaws, the Ranji Trophy is a critical part of our cricket's professional structure, the base camp to the Everest which is representing India at the international level.
Players look to the Ranji season with different objectives in mind. For some, youngsters graduating from Under-19 and Under-23 tournaments, it is just the start of a journey, first steps in the company of seniors. It is an opportunity to make a mark, earn a name and pocket an attractive salary of approximately Rs 35,000 a day. For others, searching for the bigger ticket, this is the passport to riches, incredible fame and an IPL contract.
There is a view that Ranji Trophy cricket, over the years, has diminished in importance and standards have declined. This 'our-days-were-better' attitude is fuelled more by nostalgia than hard evidence.
An objective assessment would suggest Ranji has changed for the better. Much of the change is due to the altered mindset and attitude of the players. The modern Ranji player is self confident by nature and professional by training. He spends hours in the net with a coach and equal amount of time in a gym with his trainer.
The difference shows on the field as fit, athletic players run hard to chase balls and leap to hold catches. Gone forever are days when 'leg and leg' fielders had to be hidden in the field. In today's cricket , if you can't field you won't get selected.
Equally significant is the changed approach to batting and bowling. Batsmen, empowered and liberated by the shorter format of cricket, look to dominate. Bowling attacks are built around steady,probing medium pace because curators across the country have been directed to leave grass on the pitch. Regrettably, off-spinners are almost extinct but quickish leg-spin is experiencing a resurgence.
Overall, the Ranji Trophy is tougher - there are fewer half-volleys on offer.