The Ranji Trophy, named after the legendary Indian cricketer Ranjitsinhji, is the premier domestic first-class cricket tournament in India. Since its inception in 1934-35, the Ranji Trophy has witnessed numerous talented bowlers who have left an indelible mark on the tournament's history. Here, we look at the top five players with the most wickets in Ranji Trophy history:
1. Rajinder Goel -
With an astounding record of 639 wickets, Rajinder Goel holds the record for the most wickets in Ranji Trophy history. The left-arm spinner represented Haryana and Punjab in his career, which spanned from 1958 to 1985. Despite not getting many opportunities at the international level due to the presence of Bishan Singh Bedi, he made the most of his domestic appearances and etched his name in the record books.
2. Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan -
Venkat was known for his classical off-spin bowling technique and remarkable control over line and length. He possessed the ability to extract turn and bounce from any surface, making him a challenging bowler for batsmen to handle. He was renowned for his flighted deliveries and his ability to outfox batsmen with subtle variations in pace and flight. In domestic cricket, Venkataraghavan represented Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy and had a successful career. He claimed 531 wickets in the tournament, showcasing his proficiency in domestic cricket as well.
3. Sunil Joshi -
Sunil Joshi, a former Indian cricketer, had a notable career in the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class cricket tournament. Born on June 6, 1970, in Gadag, Karnataka, Joshi represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy for over a decade, showcasing his skills as a left-arm spinner and lower-order batsman. Joshi made his debut in the Ranji Trophy in the 1992-93 season and went on to become a vital asset for the Karnataka team. He took 479 wickets in his illustrious Ranji career.
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4. Vinay Kumar -
Vinay Kumar represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy for several years, showcasing his skills as a seam bowler and lower-order batsman. In a career that spanned from 2004 to 2020, Vinay Kumar featured in 139 Ranji Trophy matches, an impressive tally. He took 442 wickets in his Ranji career.
5. Narendra Hirwani -
A name synonymous with spin wizardry, Narendra Hirwani enjoyed a fantastic Ranji Trophy career, amassing 441 wickets. Hirwani, who played for Madhya Pradesh and Bengal, was a leg-spinner who bamboozled batsmen with his sharp turn and variations. He also had a memorable debut at the international level, picking up 16 wickets in his first Test against the West Indies in 1988.
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