Ranji Trophy Elite / Features

Rajasthan's old-school marathon man

Feb 4, 2012: Vineet Saxena, who was instrumental in his side's second Ranji Trophy win in two years, is one of those archetypal journeymen who toils far from the limelight, keeping the faith alive

A wayward journey to Ranji Trophy success

Jan 26, 2012: Madhya Pradesh's TP Sudhindra was the highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy. The achievement came after he had given up on cricket, twice

The boys who believed

Jan 26, 2012: Though they were defending champions, Rajasthan couldn't have started the season any worse. Not that it mattered, since the end was perfect, once again

TN v Rajasthan, Ranji Trophy final, Chennai

Rajasthan's very own Captain Cool triumphs

Jan 23, 2012: Fastidious in his ways, yet instinctive on the pitch; 37 years old but still hard working, Hrishikesh Kanitkar's biggest asset is his ability to instill calm, and that is what has brought his team consecutive Ranji titles

TN v Rajasthan, Ranji Trophy final, Chennai

When seven finals in 10 years wasn't enough

Jan 22, 2012: Rajasthan ran into Bombay seven times in the Ranji Trophy final, and the title continued to elude them

The case for a 12-team Ranji Trophy

Jan 20, 2012: To revive the Indian team, the board must first reorganise the domestic structure. How about fewer teams and a shorter, better planned season?

Tamil Nadu v Rajasthan, Ranji Trophy final, Chennai

The boost to Tamil Nadu's collective strength

Jan 18, 2012: L Balaji, their captain, considers this is the best Tamil Nadu team he's been part of and its progress to the final has been a truly collective effort

Tamil Nadu v Rajasthan, Ranji Trophy final, Chennai

Self-belief and adaptability the reasons for Bist's success

Jan 18, 2012: Robin Bist's life is already littered with instances where he has received good advice that has shaped his career. That has helped earn his position as Rajasthan's batting giant this season

Haryana v Rajasthan, 1st semi-final, Ranji Trophy 2011-12, 3rd day

Rajasthan find another big promise in Rituraj Singh

Jan 12, 2012: He may well be a work in progress, but for Rajasthan, Rituraj is working just fine for the moment

Mumbai v Tamil Nadu, 2nd semi-final, Ranji Trophy 2011-12

With good men, you become a good captain - Balaji

Jan 9, 2012: The Tamil Nadu captain talks to ESPNcricinfo about his thoughts on leadership and how much it hurts to have never won a Ranji Trophy

Mumbai v Tamil Nadu, 2nd semi-final, Ranji Trophy 2011-12

When Tendulkar trumped Tamil Nadu

Jan 9, 2012: No single encounter highlights the extent of Mumbai's psychological stranglehold over Tamil Nadu better than the Ranji semi-final of the 1999-2000 season

Ranji Trophy 2011-12

Haryana: The 'simple boys with self-belief'

Jan 8, 2012: It has been many years since Haryana produced a player who gets the kind of attention that makes selectors bolt upright. Any performance that gets them into their first Ranji final since 1991, though, might just do it

Peter Hartley

The umpire who works to ski

Jan 8, 2012: Former Yorkshire bowler Peter Hartley says that if he can succeed at the sport of Alpine skiing, he is not at all daunted about standing as an umpire in the upcoming Ranji Trophy semi-final and final in India

Ranji Trophy 2011-12

How Rajasthan stayed in the Elite league

Jan 7, 2012: The Rajasthan captain reveals the five factors that helped his side defy the odds after a sluggish start to the season, to stay in the Elite league and barge into the semi-finals

Madhya Pradesh v Mumbai, Ranji Trophy quarter-final, Indore

Why so defensive, Mumbai?

Jan 2, 2012: Madhya Pradesh's last pair was at the crease when the Mumbai captain Wasim Jaffer pushed back seven fielders to the deep. It set the tone for a day when Mumbai just refused to take charge.

Ranji Trophy 2011-12 quarter-finals

Success in first-class cricket is Akshay Darekar's priority

Jan 2, 2012: Maharashtra's Akshay Darekar says the reason for his success this season is his transformation from a containing to an attacking spinner

MP v Mumbai, Ranji Trophy Elite, 3rd quarter-final, Indore

Off-season preparation the reason for MP's rise

Jan 1, 2012: The lack of star players and professional signings has actually worked in Madhya Pradesh's favour this season. They've also shown the resilience to progress after a disastrous season opener

Ranji Trophy 2011-12 quarter-finals

Tamil Nadu bowling in good health - Balaji

Dec 31, 2011: A lack of outright wins suggests a weakness in Tamil Nadu's bowling. But, as their captain points out, they have taken 20 wickets three times this season; perhaps fielding and the weather are their real enemies

Ranji Trophy 2011-12

Fit and fresh Binny becomes Karnataka's go-to man

Dec 30, 2011: Allrounder is reaping the benefits of a new attitude and a commitment to fitness with both bat and ball

Ranji Trophy 2011-12

The man behind Rajasthan's 'quick' fix

Dec 28, 2011: Rajasthan's bowlers were struggling in the early stages of the Ranji Trophy. Then Meyrick Pringle took over as the bowling coach and turned their fortunes around