The final round of Ranji Trophy group league matches may not have drawn much attention in recent years compared to those scheduled to begin on January 30. However, several of the 16 encounters in this round have gained significance, with teams relying on favourable results and mathematical permutations to advance. Meanwhile, the remaining matches hold interest only for individual performances or academic purposes, as some teams have already been eliminated.
Delhi vs Railways: A manufactured hype?
To create a sense of drama around the league stage’s conclusion, certain match-ups, such as the one between Delhi and the Railways—both multiple-time champions—were given exaggerated importance. The Railways stand a better chance of advancing, while Delhi not only needs a win but also requires a combination of other results and favourable mathematical calculations to progress.
Virat Kohli’s availability for this game further fuelled the hype, with some sections amplifying it to unreasonable levels. Following recent batting struggles by Kohli and others during the Australia tour, attention naturally shifted to star players who had been absent from domestic tournaments. Kohli’s decision to play Delhi’s last two matches was turned into a suspenseful narrative, seemingly by individuals seeking reflected glory.
Some within the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) seized the moment, offering statements to the media. Misinformation was also spread, with claims that Kohli was included in a 22-member squad for the penultimate game against Saurashtra. This turned out to be false, as the squad had only 21 players. Kohli eventually confirmed his availability for the do-or-die clash against the Railways.
DDCA officials further added to the spectacle by announcing the opening of certain stands for fans and reports of police arrangements. However, Delhi team manager Mahesh Bhati clarified that the BCCI encourages spectators to watch domestic tournaments, making such claims unnecessary.
This frenzy has led many to speculate whether the hype was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from Delhi’s poor performances across men’s and women’s tournaments this season, with DDCA securing just one title so far.
Delhi’s uphill battle
Despite the manufactured hype, the final round of Ranji Trophy matches remains compelling, with several teams’ fates hanging in the balance. In Group D, Delhi face the Railways with their backs against the wall. After six group matches, the Railways sit fourth with 17 points, ahead of Delhi in fifth with 14 points.
Tamil Nadu (25 points), Chandigarh (19), and Saurashtra (18) lead the group, but none of them were assured of a quarterfinal berth at the start of this round. For Delhi, securing a decisive win — ideally with a bonus point — is critical. The team enjoys a slight advantage, as the match was relocated from Guwahati to Delhi due to unfavourable weather in Assam.
Also Read: Delhi women’s cricket teams shine with bright, young talent
The Delhi-Railways game, scheduled from January 30 to February 2 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, is expected to be played under “hazy sunshine.” Bhati commented: “The pitch looks good and should last for the full four days of the match.”
Ayush Badoni continues to lead after Rishabh Pant’s and Kohli’s decisions not to captain the side in one-off matches. Kohli, however, remains available to guide the young leader.
Badoni has impressed with 400 runs in four matches this season, though Dhull has been Delhi’s top run-scorer with 412 runs in six games. Interestingly, Badoni, a part-time off-spinner, has been the team’s leading bowler with 12 wickets—highlighting the struggles of Delhi’s bowlers, none of whom feature among the top 150 wicket-takers in the tournament.
Delhi’s impact on Jammu and Kashmir’s rise
While Delhi’s progression in the tournament remains uncertain, former Delhi cricketers have significantly contributed to Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) success over the last few years, and particularly this season.
Under the guidance of head coach Ajay Sharma, a former India Test batsman and Delhi captain, J&K are on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage. They needed just one point from their final match against Baroda to advance.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has prioritised continuity, retaining Ajay Sharma for a third year. Former J&K pacer Abdul Qayoom credited Sharma’s influence for the team’s improved batting performances, saying: “Our bowling standard has always been good. We needed to strengthen our batting. Ajay Sharma applied for the head coach’s post and after discussing with Mithun Manhas, a member of the three-member committee running the affairs of the JKCA, we appointed him two seasons ago. He has a big profile, and that has made a difference to our team.”
Calculators to decide quarterfinal spots
Heading into the final round of group matches, only Vidarbha, last year’s losing finalists, had secured a quarterfinal spot. The remaining 31 teams in the Elite division needed favourable results to advance. The top two teams from each of the four groups qualify for the quarterfinals, starting February 8.
Also Read: Delhi cricket teams lacking ‘intensity’ fail to meet expectations
Defending champions Mumbai also faced an uncertain path, needing a win against Meghalaya, who have lost all six matches and sit at the bottom of their group, and help from other teams.
Ultimately, calculators will decide which teams progress. This level of competitiveness has ensured that the Ranji Trophy remains a gripping tournament, with several teams vying for the eight coveted quarterfinal spots.