Ranji Trophy 2023-24 | All You Need to Know

image-lqzcziq3Unadkat's Saurashtra starts title defence in Elite Group A.(x.com)

Excitement is building up among cricket fans as the much-awaited Ranji Trophy is set to kick off its 2023-24 season on January 5. The domestic cricket extravaganza will witness 38 teams vying for glory, with the traditional red-ball tournament showcasing the talent and competitiveness of Indian cricketers.

The participating teams are divided into four Elite groups (A, B, C, D) and a Plate group. Each Elite group comprises four teams, while the Plate group accommodates six. The action-packed opening day will witness 16 teams across the Elite and Plate groups starting their campaigns, including Bihar and Manipur, who have earned promotion to the Elite group after topping the Plate group last season.

Saurashtra, the reigning champions led by Jaydev Unadkat, will begin their title defense in Elite Group A. They face a formidable challenge in their maiden fixture against Jharkhand at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Elite Group B sees last season's runners-up, Bengal, facing tough competitors like Mumbai, Andhra, and Assam. Bengal's opening clash against Andra is scheduled at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

The tournament promises intense competition as teams battle it out in the league stage, with each Elite Group team playing seven matches. The top eight teams from the Elite groups will advance to the knockout stage, featuring four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, and the grand finale on March 10.

Adding an interesting twist, the two lowest-performing teams from the Elite groups will face relegation, finding themselves in the Plate group for the 2024-25 season. Conversely, the top two teams in the Plate group will earn the coveted opportunity to compete as Elites in the next Ranji Trophy.

The tournament, spanning ten weeks, is a cricket fan's delight, following six months after the Duleep Trophy marked the beginning of India's domestic season. The Elite final is set for March 10, while the Plate final is scheduled earlier, on February 17.

Catch all the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 action live at 9:30 AM IST on the Sports18 Network in India. The matches will also be streamed live on the JioCinema app and website.