Vidarbha Defends Title as IDFC First Bank Ranji Trophy Starts Oct 15
When Ranji Trophy India rolls into its 91st season, the buzz is already audible across the country’s cricketing circles. The tournament, officially dubbed the IDFC First Bank Ranji Trophy, kicks off on Tuesday, 15 October 2025, and will run until 28 February 2026 under the watchful eye of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Defending champions Vidarbha, led by skipper Faiz Fazal, are already plotting to retain the silverware they lifted in Nagpur last March.
Historical backdrop: From 1934 to the 2025‑26 edition
The Ranji Trophy began in the 1934‑35 season, a brainchild of Maharaja Ranjitsinhji that has since become India’s premier pathway to Test cricket. Over nine decades, the competition has evolved from a modest knockout format to the sprawling two‑tier system we see today. Since the 2012‑13 revamp, teams have been split into Elite and Plate categories, with promotion‑relegation adding a ladder‑climbing drama to each season.
Since the 2023‑24 season, IDFC First Bank has been the title sponsor, sealing a three‑year, ₹150 crore pact that underscores the tournament’s commercial clout.
Format, groups and the road to the knockout stage
Here’s the thing: the Elite tier houses 32 teams, neatly divided into four groups (A‑D) of eight. Each side plays the other seven once, meaning 112 group matches before the quarter‑finals, which are slated for 15 January 2026. The top two squads from every group – based on points and net‑run‑rate quotients – move on.
Meanwhile, the Plate tier features six teams in a single round‑robin, delivering 15 games. The four best Plate sides will battle it out in semi‑finals on 8 February, with the final on 15 February. The Plate champion earns automatic promotion to Elite for the 2026‑27 season, while the lowest‑ranked Elite side across all groups will drop down.
- Elite group stage: 112 matches
- Plate group stage: 15 matches
- Quarter‑finals begin: 15 Jan 2026
- Plate final: 15 Feb 2026
- Season finale: 28 Feb 2026
Defending champions: Vidarbha’s quest for a repeat
Vidarbha’s triumph over Kerala by 19 runs at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on 2 March 2025 was a classic finish – a low‑scoring duel that highlighted Fazal’s calm leadership. "We’ve got a solid blend of youth and experience," Fazal told reporters after the lift. "The aim is simple: back‑to‑back titles, and keep the pipeline flowing for India’s Test side."
Key players to watch include all‑rounder Ajinkya Rahane (who returned to Vidarbha after a stint with the national team) and fast bowler Shams Mulani, whose swing has been lethal in the last two seasons.
Financial stakes and broadcasting rights
Money matters, and the BCCI has set a total prize pot of ₹5.50 crore for this edition. The champions pocket ₹3 crore, the runners‑up ₹1.5 crore, while the Plate winner walks away with ₹50 lakh. In today’s market, that’s roughly $360,000, $180,000 and $60,000 respectively.
Live coverage will be streamed on the official BCCI.tv portal and televised on Sony Sports Network – a five‑year broadcasting deal that started in 2023 and is set to continue through 2028.
Promotion, relegation and the future shape of the tournament
The promotion‑relegation system, still in place after a decade, adds a fierce edge for Plate hopefuls and struggling Elite sides. The winner of the Plate final on 15 February will join the Elite ranks next season, while the lowest‑placed Elite team – determined by an aggregate points‑plus‑quotient table – will slip down.
Looking ahead, the BCCI has floated a plan to expand the Elite tier to 36 teams for 2026‑27, pending ICC approval at its April 2026 meeting. If green‑lighted, the format would shift to six groups of six, trimming the number of group matches but widening the geographic spread.
Why the Ranji Trophy matters for Indian cricket
Every name on India’s current Test roster has cut his teeth in the Ranji Trophy. In fact, 100 % of the 2023‑24 Test squad logged at least one Ranji appearance. The tournament acts as a talent incubator, offering a glimpse of rising stars before they break onto the international stage. As the domestic calendar tightens, performances here could dictate selections for the upcoming England tour in 2026 and the World Test Championship cycle.
For fans, the Ranji Trophy remains a celebration of regional pride – from the coastal flair of Tamil Nadu to the high‑altitude grit of Himachal Pradesh. The upcoming season promises fresh rivalries, emerging talents, and the inevitable drama of promotion battles.
Key facts at a glance
- Start date: 15 Oct 2025 (IST)
- End date: 28 Feb 2026
- Defending champion: Vidarbha (captain Faiz Fazal)
- Elite teams: 32 (four groups of eight)
- Plate teams: 6 (single group)
- Total prize pool: ₹5.50 crore
- Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the promotion‑relegation system work this season?
The Plate champion, decided on 15 Feb 2026, moves up to the Elite tier for 2026‑27. Conversely, the Elite side with the lowest combined points‑plus‑quotient across all four groups drops into the Plate category for the next season.
When will the quarter‑finals be played?
The Elite quarter‑finals kick off on 15 January 2026, following the conclusion of the group stage on 31 December 2025.
What is the total prize money and how is it distributed?
A total of ₹5.50 crore is on offer: ₹3 crore for the Elite champion, ₹1.5 crore for the runner‑up, and ₹50 lakh for the Plate winner. The remaining amount is allocated as match‑winning bonuses and player awards.
Which broadcasters will show the matches?
All games will be streamed live on the official BCCI.tv platform and televised on Sony Sports Network under a five‑year partnership that began in 2023.
How important is the Ranji Trophy for national team selection?
It’s the primary feeder for India’s Test side – every member of the 2023‑24 Test squad played at least one Ranji match, and strong performances this season will heavily influence selections for the England tour and the next World Test Championship cycle.