Cricket is a religion in India. However, although IPL players seem to dominate the limelight, the backbone of Indian cricket is its local stars, the Ranji players. These cricketers have all spent years of determination, dedication, and hard work with the hope of eventually donning the blue jersey. Ever imagined what a day in the life of a Ranji player is?
Everybody loves going deep into the expedition and life experiences of these unsung heroes, their prospects and predicaments.
What Is the Ranji Trophy and Why It's Important
Ranji Trophy The Indian domestic tournament is the first-class cricket tournament established in the year 1934. It has been named after Ranjitsinhji, who was the greatest Indian cricketer of all time. It is a stepping stone to being a cricketer and representing India on the international stage.
Why the Ranji Trophy Matters:
Feeder system for Team India selections.
Showcases regional talent across 38 teams.
Format includes 4-day matches — ideal for testing temperament and technique.
The Ranji Trophy 2025 is expected to be more competitive than ever with revamped formats and intense scouting.
Day-to-Day Life of a Ranji Player
Morning Routine
5:30 AM – 6:30 AM: Wake up and warm-up stretches
6:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Nets session (batting, bowling, fielding drills)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Protein-rich breakfast + Physio
Mid-day Routine
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Strategy discussions, watching footage of opponents
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Nutritious lunch and rest
Evening Session
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Strength and conditioning gym sessions
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Ice baths, therapy, recovery
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Team dinner and bonding
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Early to bed
It’s a disciplined life driven by goals, with almost no room for distraction. The pressure is high, but so is the dream of every Ranji player.
How to Join or Get Selected in Ranji Team
It is not that easy to become a Ranji player. This is the typical checklist:
Steps to Join Ranji Trophy:
Start Early: Join a reputed cricket academy before age 14–15.
Play District-Level Cricket: Perform well in school and club tournaments.
Get Selected for State U-16 & U-19 Teams.
Consistent Performances: Score heavily or take wickets at junior levels.
State Selectors Call-Up: Based on form and need, players get drafted into the Ranji squad.
Notes: The age limit of Ranji players is not strict, although the majority of them start playing at age 18-25.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Ranji Player?
There are a lot of advantages to being a Ranji Trophy cricketer:
Professional Perks:
Match Fees (₹40,000–₹60,000/day)
Travel and hotel covered by the state board
Sponsorship deals (kit, bat companies)
High-performance coaching, physio, dieticians
Career Growth:
Easy transition to IPL and India A
Employment in Railways, Banks, or PSUs
Coaching and mentorship opportunities post-retirement
Social Status:
Media recognition in state/local circuits
Fans and following increase with performance
Best Ranji Player from Each Team (2025 Projections)
A brief overview of the best talents who are likely to make the most in Ranji Trophy 2025:
| Team | Best Player (2025) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | Sarfaraz Khan (Captain & finisher) |
| Delhi | Yash Dhull (Technically sound opener) |
| Karnataka | Devdutt Padikkal |
| Tamil Nadu | Baba Indrajith |
| Saurashtra | Jaydev Unadkat (leader & spearhead) |
| Punjab | Abhishek Sharma |
| Uttar Pradesh | Sameer Rizvi (rising youngster) |
| Bengal | Anustup Majumdar |
Such Ranji players are being monitored to get selected for the national team and the IPL.
How Much Are Ranji Players Earning?
The Ranji players’ salary structure was revamped by BCCI in recent years.
Ranji Trophy Match Fees (as of 2025):
| Experience Level | Match Fee (per day) | 4-Day Match Total |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20 matches | ₹40,000 | ₹1.6 lakh |
| 21–40 matches | ₹50,000 | ₹2 lakh |
| 41+ matches | ₹60,000 | ₹2.4 lakh |
The average annual salary of a Ranji player is 10-25 lakh (this depends on the number of games played and how far the team got).
This is not counting IPL or endorsements, which can more than multi-fold the earnings of Ranji players.
Do Ranji Players Get Government Jobs?
Yes, numerous Ranji players get to be placed in secure jobs in the government. Domestic cricket results create opportunity in:
Railways
Income Tax Department
Public Sector Banks
State Police
In order to keep the player occupied, there are a number of organizations that leave the post to sports personalities (cricket players who play Ranji Trophy) representing the state.
Thus, though they may not get to score for Team India, many still have a rosy career after their days in the cricket field.
Best Moments and Records in Ranji Trophy
The Ranji Trophy has witnessed some iconic performances over the decades.
🌟 Historic Records:
Highest Individual Score: 443* by Bhausaheb Nimbalkar (1948)
Most Runs: Wasim Jaffer – 12,000+ runs
Most Wickets: Rajinder Goel – 640 wickets
🔥 Recent Highlights (2022–2024):
Youngest Ranji Player: Musheer Khan debuted at age 16
Fastest Double Century: Yashasvi Jaiswal in just 140 balls
Triple Hundreds: Devdutt Padikkal and Prithvi Shaw scored memorable triple centuries
These moments prove that the Ranji Trophy is more than just a stepping stone — it’s a goldmine of talent.
Conclusion: Why the Life of a Ranji Player Deserves More Respect
A Ranji player does not live as glamorous a life as an IPL player, but it involves hard work, sacrifice, and optimism.
The players fall into this talent pipeline nurturing the Indian cricket system. Suppose you have a dream of being a professional cricketer; then the Ranji Trophy is your first step into it. It makes your character as a cricketer. Whether it is the daily jogging or team tactics, fiscal security and national aspirations, it starts here.
FAQs Related to A Day in the Life of a Ranji Player
Q1: What is the typical Ranji player age limit?
There is no strict age limit, but most players debut between 18–25 years, while exceptional talents start even earlier.
Q2: How to get selected for Ranji Trophy if I’m not from a big city?
State cricket associations hold district trials, and many small-town players have made it big. Focus on school tournaments, join local academies, and perform consistently.
Q3: Can a Ranji player get selected for the Indian cricket team?
Absolutely! Most Indian cricketers — like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj — proved themselves in the Ranji Trophy before making it to Team India.
Want to become the next Ranji star?
Begin your cricket career now. Attend the local academy meetings, read the updates on your state association, and never stop practicing. Who knows? Some day your name may fall in the Ranji records!