The Ranji Trophy has always been the heartbeat of Indian domestic cricket, shaping the careers of countless legends who went on to dominate the international stage. From Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid to Cheteshwar Pujara, the tournament has been the ultimate proving ground for talent. In 2025, the Ranji Trophy once again delivered thrilling contests, incredible talent, and a glimpse into India’s cricketing future.
Let’s look at the standout performances that captured attention this season.
1. Prithvi Shaw’s Consistent Run Feasts
Prithvi Shaw returned to domestic cricket with renewed determination. After a period of ups and downs, the opener displayed maturity and aggression in equal measure. His back-to-back centuries against Karnataka and Delhi set the tone for Mumbai’s dominance in the group stage. Shaw’s ability to switch gears reminded fans why he was once hailed as India’s next big thing.
- Highlight Innings: 178 off 201 balls against Delhi, where he combined classic cover drives with fearless lofted shots.
- Impact: His runs at the top gave Mumbai a commanding edge in the league phase, putting them firmly in contention for the title.
2. Riyan Parag’s All-Round Brilliance
Assam’s Riyan Parag emerged as one of the most exciting names in the 2025 season. Known primarily for his aggressive batting in shorter formats, Parag stunned everyone with his consistency in the longer format.
- Batting Heroics: Scored three centuries in the season, including a match-saving 142 against Saurashtra.
- Bowling Contribution: His handy leg-spin provided crucial breakthroughs, making him a true all-rounder.
- Future Outlook: If he continues this trajectory, selectors may see him as a versatile option across formats for India.
3. Sarfaraz Khan’s Middle-Order Mastery
Sarfaraz Khan once again proved that domestic cricket is his fortress. He churned out runs at will, anchoring Mumbai’s innings whenever the team faced collapses. His ability to handle spin and pace alike made him a nightmare for bowlers.
- Highlight: An unbeaten 203 against Tamil Nadu, scored in tough conditions, showed his temperament and hunger for big scores.
- Why It Matters: Despite questions about his international opportunities, Sarfaraz has made it clear—his bat does all the talking.
4. Jaydev Unadkat’s Leadership & Bowling
The veteran left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat continued to showcase why he is revered in domestic cricket. His accuracy, swing, and discipline made him one of the toughest bowlers to face this season.
- Performance: Picked up 32 wickets in the season, including a 7-wicket haul against Gujarat.
- Leadership Role: As captain of Saurashtra, his calm presence helped guide a young squad deep into the competition.
- Legacy: Unadkat has proven that experience and skill in domestic cricket remain invaluable assets.
5. Emerging Star: Musheer Khan
The younger brother of Sarfaraz, Musheer Khan, made headlines with his all-round abilities. Still a teenager, Musheer displayed composure far beyond his years.
- Batting: Scored a gritty 96 against Baroda, showing solid technique.
- Bowling: His left-arm spin provided breakthroughs in key moments, showing his dual skillset.
- Promise: Musheer is being touted as one of the most exciting prospects from Mumbai’s rich cricket pipeline.
6. Fast Bowling Depth on Display
One of the highlights of Ranji 2025 was the emergence of several promising pacers.
- Umran Malik consistently clocked over 150 km/h, troubling batters with raw pace.
- Akash Deep of Bengal showcased controlled aggression, picking up vital wickets with the new ball.
- Tushar Deshpande proved himself as a reliable workhorse for Mumbai, bowling long spells with consistency.
This crop of pacers is yet another sign that India’s fast-bowling revolution is here to stay.
7. Shreyas Iyer’s Return to Form
Shreyas Iyer used the Ranji Trophy as a comeback stage after injury setbacks. His aggressive intent in the middle order provided Mumbai with quick runs. More importantly, he showed hunger and intent to fight for a place back in the national setup.
- Highlight: A 122 off just 130 balls against Bengal, where he dominated both spinners and seamers.
- Takeaway: Iyer reminded fans and selectors alike that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Why Ranji Trophy 2025 Matters
This season wasn’t just about individual brilliance. It highlighted India’s incredible depth of talent. From seasoned veterans like Unadkat and Sarfaraz to fresh faces like Musheer Khan, the tournament once again proved that the Indian domestic structure is unmatched in producing talent ready for the big stage.
The Ranji Trophy continues to be the feeder line for India’s national team. With a World Test Championship cycle ongoing, performances here are crucial for players aiming to wear the India cap.
Conclusion
The Ranji Trophy 2025 was more than just another domestic season—it was a stage where veterans proved their class, young stars announced their arrival, and India’s cricketing depth was celebrated. For fans who want to follow every update, fixture, and standout story, platforms like Kheloexch99 provide easy access to cricketing insights. With tools like Kheloexch Login, staying connected to domestic cricket has never been easier.
As we look ahead, the Ranji Trophy will continue to be the arena where India’s next generation of stars sharpen their craft, ensuring the nation remains a global cricket powerhouse.