Ranji Trophy's first ever match (Source: @MadrasMusings/x.com)
No format captures the soul of cricket quite like the longest one — where batters are tested for patience, and bowlers for endurance. Its true magic lies in those marathon days of red-ball drama, where every session unfolds like a gripping chapter in an endless cricketing saga.
Stars rocked on the international stage, but the real backstage hero behind their heroics is the domestic circuit, just as India’s Ranji Trophy. This iconic tournament has shaped India’s cricketing culture, forged legends, and its proud record books are filled with feats that continue to inspire generations.
Records are broken all the time in sports, but the Ranji Trophy holds a feat that has stood the test of time. But what is the record that became historic over time? Let’s explore the answer.
What makes the very first day of the Ranji Trophy unforgettable?
Cricket has seen milestones with every passing day, but the first instance of anything remains special forever. As Indian cricket stunned the world with so many unforgettable memories, the arrival of the iconic Ranji Trophy remained the pinnacle of Indian cricket. That was a legendary move as it changed the face of Indian cricket.
In 1934, the Ranji Trophy was introduced to the Indian fans, and it has never looked back since then. A lot of dreams of thousands of youngsters were fulfilled on the big stage as the tournament gave Indian cricket some gems.
The very first clash between Madras and Mysore ended in just a single day, a result that seems almost impossible. Yet it perfectly shows how cricket can defy imagination and etch unforgettable moments in history.
Madras storms ahead with a brilliant all-round masterclass
Being the pioneers of Indian domestic cricket, Mysore and Madras met in the first-ever encounter. Both teams aimed for a strong start, but little did the world know that this match was about to carve its own place in the tournament’s history.
After Mysore came to bat first, Madras handed them their biggest nightmare in their very first Ranji outing. Against Madras’ lethal bowling attack, the Mysore batters couldn’t survive much. AG Ram Singh grabbed a brilliant six-wicket haul, while Conrad Johnstone added four crucial scalps, bundling Mysore out for just 48 runs.
Coming to bat in the first innings, Madras faced blows by the Mysore batters but answered them with their bat. As Mysore bowler Vijayasarathi secured a thrilling six-wicket haul, Madras’ team game helped them to put on a total of 130 runs on the board.
Day-one drama ends as Madras clinch historic victory
The first match of the Ranji Trophy was scheduled as a three-day game, but the thrills only lasted for one day. After Mysore came to bat in the second innings, aiming for a major turnaround, but ended up being disappointed.
Madras continued the domination as Mysore batters failed to stitch any impactful partnership. AG Ram Singh led the charge with another brilliant five-wicket haul, and after Mysore were bowled out for just 59, Madras sealed a commanding victory by an innings and 23 runs.
Before the day ended, Madras registered the first-ever victory of the Raji Trophy. Bowlers stole the show as 30 wickets tumbled in one astonishing day, while the iconic Chepauk Stadium witnessed a bizarre spectacle at the dawn of India’s premier domestic tournament. Decades on, that inaugural clash remains a legendary chapter in the hearts of cricket fans.
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