Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Shreyas Gopal gets hat-trick against Baroda; enters list of elites with most T20 hat-tricks
Shreyas Gopal grabbed this third career hat-trick in T20 cricket while playing against Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Karnataka all-rounder enters the list of elite players with the most hat-tricks in T20 Cricket.
Karnataka all-rounder Shreyas Gopal grabbed a stunning hat-trick against Baroda in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy to enter a respectable list of legendary players. Playing for Karnataka, the leg-spinning all-rounder dismissed star Baroda cricketers such as Hardik Pandya, and Krunal Pandya for golden ducks.
Gopal dismissed Shashwat Rawat who scored a scorching 63 off 37 balls to pick up the momentum for the Karnataka team. Following that, Gopal also dismissed star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya on a golden duck. Hardik's brother Krunal Pandya, who is also the captain of Baroda, faced the same fate as he returned to the pavilion with a golden duck by his name.
Gopal's sensational hat-trick has undoubtedly excited CSK fans, who are eagerly counting down to see his impact in the upcoming IPL season. CSK secured his services for a base price of 30 lakhs in the recent Mega Auction for IPL 2025.
However, the 31-year-old all-rounder has entered the globe of cricketing stars after registering his third career T20 hat-trick. He is now positioned third in the list of most hat-tricks in T20 cricket.
Shreyas Gopal is in the form of his life after being picked by CSK.
2-30(4) vs Ukhand 1-26(4) vs Tri 1-23(4) vs Sau 5-13(4) vs Sik 1-14(4) vs TN 4-19(4) vs Bar (hattrick)
Leading wicket taker: 14 wkts at 8.9, Eco 5.2, SR 10.2
Shreyas Gopal recorded his first T20 hat-trick in Karnataka's face-off against Haryana in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when he picked up the three wickets of Navdeep Saini, Jayant Yadav and Amit Mishra. His second came in the same year while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, as he dismissed Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, and Marcus Stoinis. After almost 5 years, now he has grabbed his third.
Shreyas Gopal shines with a stunning hat-trick against Baroda, dismissing Shashwat Rawat, Krunal, and Hardik Pandya! 🔥🙌
Most successful teams in T20 leagues around the world
Discover the most successful teams in T20 leagues around the world, including winners from IPL, Big Bash, CPL and more. From IPL's CSK to SA20's SEC, find out who leads the chart.
T20 cricket is defined by explosive performances and relentless competition. Beyond the thrill of individual matches, the true quality of a team lies in its ability to consistently dominate the game.
Check out the most successful teams in T20 leagues around the world and their unmatched legacy in tournaments like Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Carribbean Premier League, and more.
From the subcontinent to Australia and the Carribbean, here's the teams with highest achievements in the shortest format of cricket.
Chennai Super Kings (5 Titles) | IPL
CSK lifting their 5th IPL title in 2023. Image | Instagram
Chennai Super Kings stand as one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having 5 titles to their name. Under the brilliant leadership of MS Dhoni, this team has reached the playoffs 10 times out of their 16 seasons played in the tournament.
CSK is known for adapting well in different conditions, calmness under pressure, strategic use of spin bowlers, and the deep batting line-up that balances the team.
Mumbai Indians winning their first IPL title in 2013. Image | IPLT20
Sharing the top spot with 5 titles, Mumbai Indians, is another big successful team of IPL. Their journey began under the leadership of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, with Rohit Sharma leading the team to five victories in the end.
The MI franchise identifies and nurtures raw talent, transforming them into match-winners. Their success credits intelligent auction buys, strong core of retained players, and good support staffs.
They won the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 IPL seasons.
Perth Scorchers (5 Titles) | BBL
Perth Scorchers celebrating their win in Big Bash League. Image | BBC
In the Australian Big Bash League (BBL), Perth Scorchers are the undisputed champions, also with 5 titles. They are known for their consistent home dominance, making Optus Stadium in Perth a fortress, where opponents rarely win.
Players like Adam Voges, Ashton Turner, and Andrew Tye have been central figures in their success. The franchise focus on picking players who perfectly fit in their style and thrive in Australian conditions.
They won 2013-14, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2021-22, and 2022-23 BBL seasons.
Jaffna Kings celebrating their LPL win in 2021. Image | cricketnmore
Jaffna Kings have quickly become the top team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), winning 4 titles in a short time. Their former captain Thisara Perera and Shoaib Malik have been vital to their winning streak.
They won the inaugural season of the tournament in 2020, and moved forward with three-in-a-row wins (2021, 2022). They also won the title in 2024 season.
They form the squad with an equal balance of smart bowling and power-hitting with Sri Lankan players and impactful international stars.
Trinbago Knight Riders (4 Titles) | CPL
Trinbago Knight Riders celebrating their victory in CPL 2020. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Trinbago Knight Riders are the most successful successful team in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), with 4 titles. The franchise is owned by the Knight Riders group, which also owns the KKR team in IPL.
Legendary players like Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine have been cornerstones of their success. Their consistently attracting and keeping strong players, along with their dominant approach for the game, makes them a truly formidable side.
The won the 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2024 CPL seasons.
Comilla Victorians celebrating their fourth BPL win in 2023. Image | ESPNcricinfo
In the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL),Comilla Victorians have become the leading team with 4 titles. They have wonevery final they played in, showing incredible success rate.
Key players like Tamim Iqbal and the exceptional captain Imrul Kayes have played major roles in their historic journey.
They won the title in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2023 BPL seasons.
Islamabad United (3 Titles) | PSL
Islamabad United celebrating their 3rd PSL victory in 2024. Image | PSL
Islamabad United stands out in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), not just for their 3 titles, but also for winning the inaugural final. Their early double titles have strengthened their presence in the tournament.
Legendary players include their former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, and more recently, the all-rounder captain Shadab Khan have notable contributions in their PSL journey.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape lifting the SA20 cup in 2023. Image | Instagram
Sunrisers Eastern Cape are the only team to have won the SA20 title 2 times. They also hold the record for most wins in a single season of the tournament (9 wins in 2024).
Owned by the Indian SUN group, which also owns SRH team in IPL, have strategically picked players who turned out to be match-winners. Outstanding bowling performances from Marco Jansen and Ottneil Baartman played a key role in their memorable victories, along with good captaincy of Aiden Markram.
Monster Hits: Top 10 Longest Sixes in IPL History That Shook the Stadiums
Albie Morkel has hit the longest six in IPL history with a massive 125m six in IPL 2008. Here is the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history. A few names will shock you.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a festival of big hits, explosive innings, and jaw-dropping sixes since its inception in 2008. While many sixes are hit every season, only a few stand out for their sheer distance.
These monstrous hits don’t just clear the boundary—they clear stadiums, dent roofs, and sometimes even disappear into the night. Here’s a rundown of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history, and the Players whose raw power made them unforgettable.
(10) Liam Livingstone - 117 meters (PBKS vs GT, 2022)
Liam Livingstone representing Punjab Kings in IPL 2022-24
Liam Livingstone hit a 117-meter six at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. His raw, savage hitting came while representing the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans. Livingstone’s aggressive batting style added a new dimension to the IPL's power-hitting tradition.
In the 16th over, Livingstone launched Mohammed Shami’s short ball over deep midwicket. The sound off the bat, the launch angle, and the distance of the six were commendable. It was the longest six of the 2022 season and one of the most replayed moments on social media.
(9) Gautam Gambhir - 117 meters (KKR vs RR, 2013)
Gautam Gambir, the Captain of Kolkata Knight Riders
Known for his gritty batting and match-winning leadership, Gambhir was not the kind of player you would expect to smash 100+ meter sixes.
But he shocked everyone in 2013 when he struck a 117-meter six playing for KKR against the Rajasthan Royals. He picked up a short ball and hammered it deep into the stands — a 117-meter monster against S Sreesanth at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The back-foot shot was so clean and powerful that it left everyone stunned, as it was unexpected from someone like Gautam Gambhir, who built his game on timing and not power-hitting. It proved that even the most technically correct batters can deliver a serious punch.
(8) Ben Cutting – 117 meters (SRH vs RCB, 2016)
Ben Cutting played a important knock of 39* runs off just 15 balls in the IPL 2016 Final Match
During the 2016 IPL final between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ben Cutting smashed a full toss ball of Shane Watson over backwards square leg with a clean strike, and it measured a 117-meter six, making it not just long but legendary at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
What made it even more iconic was the situation of that match. Ben Cutting’s 39* runs off just 15 balls with 3 fours and 4 huge sixes gave SRH the final push to reach the total of 208 runs. He then came back with the ball to take 2 wickets, including Gayle and KL Rahul. His all-around performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped SRH lift their maiden IPL trophy in 2016 under the captaincy of David Warner.
(7) Ross Taylor – 119 meters (RCB vs CSK, 2008)
Ross Taylor representing Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ross Taylor smashed a 119-meter six against his Kiwi team-mate Jacob Oram in the deep mid-wicket area. It came during the inaugural edition of IPL in the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Ross Taylor was representing RCB, and Jacob was playing for CSK.
Taylor's technique – staying still and unleashing raw power – made this six particularly memorable, and it was so long that it made it to the list of Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
While Ross Taylor may be remembered more for his classical stroke play and calm middle-order presence, that 119-meter six remains a loud reminder that underestimate his muscle, and he’ll send the ball into orbit.
(6) Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters (KXIP vs CSK, 2009)
Yuvraj Singh, the first captain of Kings XI Punjab
Yuvraj Singh smashed a massive 119-meter six with his signature flick shot over the midwicket area against the delivery of Albie Morkel at the SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion, South Africa. Yuvraj Singh, being one of the important players of Kings XI Punjab in that season, hit that six against Chennai Super Kings.
In the IPL 2009 season, Yuvraj wasn’t just clearing boundaries; he also made headlines with two hat-tricks as a part-time spinner. But moments like this, 119 meters six reminded everyone of what he did best: destroy bowling attacks with his power-hitting.
Unlike many power-hitters who rely on brute force, Yuvraj had a unique blend of timing and wristwork. This particular 119-meter six was a classic example—it looked casual, but it was massive.
(5) Chris Gayle – 119 meters (RCB vs PWI, 2013)
Chris Gayle celebrating after hitting the fastest century in the history of IPL in just 30 balls
On April 13, 2013, known as the "Universe Boss", Chris Gayle, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, unleashed carnage with an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls with 13 fours and 17 sixes against Pune Warriors India, still the highest individual score in T20 history.
Among the 17 sixes he smashed that day, one stood out—a 119-meter monster six which came against the left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza, and everybody knew that this six would definitely make its entry in the unique list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
Gayle picked up a tossed-up delivery and sent it sailing high over long-on, clearing the stadium roof. What made the shot even more iconic was how casual it looked.
There was no slog, no overextension; just a flick of those massive shoulders. And that’s what sets Gayle apart. His sixes don’t just travel far; they leave dents in the minds of bowlers.
Robin Uthappa representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2009-10
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Robin Uthappa hit a massive 120-meter six against the delivery of Dwayne Bravo, who was playing for Mumbai Indians. Often underrated in terms of raw power, Robin Uthappa hammered the full-length delivery, and it sailed over the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
He shuffled slightly to the offside and struck the full delivery high over wide long-on. The white ball flew above the stadium, high over the concrete roof.
What made this 120-meter six remarkable was how clean the strike was. Uthappa didn’t muscle it; he timed it with perfection.
That’s what shocked everyone—how effortless it looked coming off the bat, yet how far it travelled. In an era dominated by big names like Gayle, Dhoni, AB De Villiers, and Pollard, Robin Uthappa quietly carved out his own moment of IPL glory with that 120-meter majestic six.
(3) Adam Gilchrist – 122 meters (KXIP vs RCB, 2011)
Adam Gilchrist celebrating after smashing 106 runs off just 55 balls against RCB in 2011
Adam Gilchrist’s 122-meter six in the 2011 IPL was a throwback to his peak days of fearless, no-nonsense hitting. Representing Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Aussie legend unleashed one of the biggest sixes in tournament history—a 122-meter six of pure, clean power.
The shot came at the Dharamsala ground, known for its high altitude and quick carry. Gilchrist capitalised on that, but this wasn’t a thin-air fluke—it was a full-blooded pull shot off Charl Langeveldt.
The ball rocketed into the mountainside air, disappearing deep into the stands beyond mid-wicket. Even by Gilchrist’s own explosive standards, this was massive.
That innings was special in itself—Gilchrist smashed 106 off 55 balls in that match with 8 fours and 9 sixes, leading from the front with a captain’s knock. But the 122-meter six became one of the most talked-about moments, not just for its length but for the man who hit it.
(2) Praveen Kumar – 124 meters (RCB vs RR, 2008)
Praveen Kumar representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL
Praveen Kumar, mainly acknowledged for his swing bowling, shocked everyone by hitting a 124-meter six during the 2008 season when he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, against the Rajasthan Royals.
In that match, Kumar smashed a huge six off the bowling of Yusuf Pathan, sending the ball flying over long-on. This massive 124-meter six stands as one of the longest in IPL history and is the longest six ever hit by an Indian player in the IPL.
It is important to point out that there is some variation in the reporting about the year and the opposing team for this six.
Some sources place the 124-meter six during a match against the Mumbai Indians in the year 2011, with Kumar hitting the huge six for Kings XI Punjab against Lasith Malinga. However, some reputable accounts put the 124-meter six at the 2008 match against the Rajasthan Royals.
Regardless of the exact details, Praveen Kumar's 124-meter six remains a standout moment in IPL history, showcasing his unexpected power-hitting ability.
(1) Albie Morkel – 125 meters (CSK vs DC, 2008)
Albie Morkel representing Chennai Super Kings in the IPL
South African all-rounder Albie Morkel holds the record for the longest six in IPL history. Playing for Chennai Super Kings against Deccan Chargers, Morkel launched a delivery from Pragyan Ojha to an astounding 125 meters six, sending the ball onto the stadium roof at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The shot was classic Morkel—high bat lift, full commitment, and insane raw power. What made it even more impressive was that it wasn’t a slog. It was a technically sound, full swing of the bat that met the ball perfectly in the slot. The bat speed generated by Morkel without much footwork—pure timing and raw strength.
Over 18 years later, no one has topped that 125-meter giant six, and it's a record that stands as a reminder of just how brutal Morkel could be when he found his arc. This 125-meter six by Albie Morkel tops the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
Virat Kohli joins David Warner to become second player to complete century of half-centuries in T20s. Let's take a look at the batters with most gifties in T20 cricket.
Indian team's star batsman Virat Kohli scored a brilliant half-century in the match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. The former captain, who is in great form, became the first Indian to score 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket.
The Indian stalwart entered the exclusive club, which solely featured David Warner as its sole member. The former Australia star boasts a staggering 108 half-centuries in the T20 format.
Let's take a look at the batters with most gifties in T20 cricket.
Most Fifties in T20 Cricket
5. Jos Buttler | 86
The England batter Jos Buttler has a fantastic record in the shortest format and has featured in franchise cricket all around the world. Buttler is a part of the Gujarat Titans side in the ongoing IPL season. He has so far played 440 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a total of 12,331 runs with 8 hundreds and the highest individual score of 124.
4. Chris Gayle | 88
The explosive West Indies batter Chris Gayle has played franchise cricket all around the world and has also featured a lot for the national side in the shortest format. Gayle has played 463 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a total of 14,562 runs with 22 centuries and the highest individual score 175*.
3. Babar Azam | 90
The Pakistan batter has not only played a lot of T20 cricket for the national side, but has also featured a lot in franchise cricket. Babar has so far played 311 matches in the format, scoring a total of 11,042 runs with 11 hundreds and the highest individual score of 122.
2. Virat Kohli | 100*
The India star batter Virat Kohli scored his 100th half-century in T20 cricket during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's clash against the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Kohli has so far played 405 matches in the format, scoring a total of 13,134 runs with 9 centuries and the highest individual score of 122*.
The former Australia batter David Warner has played a total of 400 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a massive 12,925 runs. Along with a humongous number of half-centuries, Warner also has 8 centuries under his name in the format with the highest individual score of 135*.
"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season
Sayan Ghosh emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Bengal pacer now looking for his Ranji Trophy return.
Chakdaha, a very tiny town in the Nadia district of West Bengal, is known to the cricketing world for a very special player. It is Jhulan Goswami, who made Chakdaha famous with fiery spells all around the globe, wearing the Blue jersey of India.
When Jhulan was breaking records in women's cricket, another speedster from Chakdaha dreamt of breaking stumps and records too. Sayan Ghosh, known as Bengal's Malinga, saw ups and downs from the start of his cricketing career. But, like his swinging yorkers, Sayan never swayed away from his targets.
Ghosh last played a Ranji Trophy game way back in 2017. In 6 first-class games, he has two five-wicket hauls. Still, he was never called back to the Ranji Trophy, team until this season. The reason is his incredible comeback into the white ball side for Bengal.
Sayan Ghosh's incredible season in white-ball format
Sayan Ghosh celebrating a wicket in SMAT pre-quarters vs Chandigarh. Image | PTI
Sayan was always called the "White Ball" specialist due to his ability to hit yorkers and variations. However, with bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, Ishan Porel and Akash Deep doing well, he found himself out of the side in the last few seasons. But, his will to keep doing well at the club level, helped him make another comeback to the Bengal side.
This season, Sayan Ghosh was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, he returned with 13 wickets from 7 games at an outstanding economy rate of 6.77.
Bengal wins the thriller against Chandigarh and marches forward to the semi finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.
Former KKR bowler Sayan Ghosh was the star of the show as he picked up 4 wickets and defended 11 runs of the final over that helped Bengal come out on top. pic.twitter.com/ZdOl4soLSt
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the stats were even better as he capped off the season with 15 wickets from 7 games which included a five-wicket haul against Kerala. Post, his outstanding white-ball return, Sayan was included in the Ranji Trophy squad for the final two games of the season.
After his remarkable resurgence in domestic cricket, Sportz Point sat with the 32-year-old pacer to sense his thoughts.
Talking about his return to the Bengal team, Sayan started the conversation by saying, "It is always a pleasure to represent Bengal. And there is nothing as sweet as a comeback when you are down and about to lose. Performing well for the team feels great."
Ex-KKR pacer Sayan Ghosh in action for @Mohun_Bagan
Sayan feels, along with doing well for Mohun Bagan in the club format, the Bengal Pro T20 League has helped him be in the best form possible.
"I must say, performance in BPL gave me confidence," Sayan told Sportz Point.
"I didn’t take too much pressure for the whole season because I knew if I did well, I would play. I had belief in myself. Captain Sudip (Gharami), coaches Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da and Maco (Shib Shankar Paul) da gave confidence. So, I didn’t take a lot of pressure."
Sayan Ghosh during a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point
A few seasons back, Sayan had a longer run-up which caused him a few injuries. But, post the 2022 season, he shortened his run-up to avoid such injuries which helped him gain more control. Keeping this in mind, Sportz Point wanted to know if he had done anything special to prepare for this grand comeback.
However, as per Sayan, he just kept doing the basic things over and over to get better at everything. "I do lots of fitness work and spot bowling. It helps me a lot," Sayan added while answering the question.
Regardless of how, for a sportsperson, a comeback is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical battle. Back in 2022, in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point, Sayan shared that "rejections do not deject him."
But, saying that and actually having that mental strength are two different things altogether. For Sayan, it was all about being present and believing in God.
"There comes a time in every sportsman's life when they stop worrying about the outcome, trust in God, and fully immerse themselves in the process. So, that was my thinking just to be in the present and wait for my turn," Sayan expressed.
During tough periods like these, players always get some people clapping and cheering for them. For Sayan, along with his family, there were a few people, who guided and supported him throughout the process.
"Maco da (Shib Shankar Paul) and Kanchan (Maity) da gave me chances in BPL And Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da helped me and gave me a chance to come back in Bengal Cricket."
"I must say about Akash da, one of my colleagues in my office, who is a very good bowler himself. He supported me in every aspect of my life. I think without his support, I could not have made the come back like that," Sayan stated.
Age? Not a problem
Sayan Ghosh before a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point
But, in this process of being in and out of the team, Sayan has reached an age where most cricketers start to reach the end of their careers. But, not all.
Cricketers like Scott Boland have proved that, if you can keep putting in the hard work, even as a fast bowler you can debut and play at the highest level even after 30. Sayan believes that too.
"Hope keeps us alive. I don’t think a lot about the outcome. But, when you have a goal to achieve something big in your professional career, you always stay motivated," the 32-year-old shared.
"There is nothing as sweet as a comeback, when you are down and about to lose. If you are thinking about a comeback, you have to keep pushing the boundaries. I have small targets to do well in club cricket and give Mohunbagan trophies. I want to make a strong impact in Bengal Cricket in every format."
Sayan Ghosh bowling in a club match. Image | Sportz Point
Now, after a great white-ball return, Sayan Ghosh wants to don the whites for Bengal again. Amidst all the success around white-ball cricket, his love for red-ball cricket remained the same; like a 10-year-old with a new ball in hand.
"We are playing well in all formats, especially in the Ranji trophy. It was unfortunate for us not to qualify despite playing well in the group stages. The Bihar match and the Kerala match were gone because of the rain and that was the reason (we could not qualify).
"The last time I played a Ranji Trophy game was in 2017. I have played 6 matches and got two five-wicket hauls. However, because of certain team combinations, I haven't played red-ball cricket in a long time now.
"My belief is always there to make a strong comeback in red ball cricket."
Vijay Hazare Trophy Past Winners and Most Successful Teams
Starting in the 2002-03 season, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, named after the legendary Indian cricketer, has been won by 11 different teams so far with Tamil Nadu winning it the most number of times (five).
Haryana is the latest entrant on the Vijay Hazare Trophy past winners list as they defeated Rajasthan in the 2023-24 season of the limited-overs domestic tournament of Indian cricket.
Starting in the 2002-03 season, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, named after the legendary Indian cricketer, has been won by 11 different teams so far with Tamil Nadu winning it the most number of times (five).
Let's take a look at the Vijay Hazare Trophy past winners.
Vijay Hazare Trophy | One of the most leading domestic tournament
All the teams that participate in Ranji Trophy participate in this tournament as well.
Because of this tournament, white ball cricketers from respective states get a platform to showcase their abilities.
It helps in segregating the best amongst the best. The players who perform well in these matches get a call for further selection in Zonal Cricket Association, National Cricket Academy (NCA), IPL, India A etc.
Hence, it is a stepping stone in their journey to represent the county.
Vijay Hazare Trophy, earlier called Ranji One Day Trophy
The Vijay Hazare Trophy was earlier called the Ranji One Day Trophy and it was played at the zonal level instead of the state level.
The first edition of this tournament was played in 1993-94 and since then it has played a vital part in the BCCI domestic structure.
This competition was renamed to the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2007, named after an esteemed cricketer, Vijay Samuel Hazare.
He captained India in 14 matches between 1951 and 1953, leading India to its first test win in 1951 against England at Madras.
He scored 2192 runs in 30 games, at an astonishing batting average of 47.65.
Vijay Hazare Trophy | Format
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is a 50 over tournament that follows a round-robin format in the group stage, leading to knockout rounds.
The tournament is divided into several groups, and the top two teams from each group go against each other in the knockout stages.
In total, 38 teams participate, reflecting the broad representation of Indian domestic cricket.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Past Winners
Winner
Runner-up
Played on round-robin basis followed by a Super League without a final
2002/03
Tamil Nadu
Punjab
2003/04
Mumbai
Bengal
The Super League was replaced with a knockout stage
2004/05
Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh (shared)
2005/06
Railways
Uttar Pradesh
2006/07
Mumbai
Rajasthan
2007/08
Saurashtra
Bengal
2008/09
Tamil Nadu
Bengal
2009/10
Tamil Nadu
Bengal
2010/11
Jharkhand
Gujarat
2011/12
Bengal
Mumbai
2012/13
Delhi
Assam
2013/14
Karnataka
Railways
2014/15
Karnataka
Punjab
2015/16
Gujarat
Delhi
2016/17
Tamil Nadu
Bengal
2017/18
Karnataka
Saurashtra
2018/19
Mumbai
Delhi
2019/20
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
2020/21
Mumbai
Uttar Pradesh
2021/22
Himachal Pradesh
Tamil Nadu
2022/23
Saurashtra
Maharashtra
2023/24
Haryana
Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu, most successful team of VHT
Tamil Nadu, the inaugural champions, have won five titles, the most in Vijay Hazare Trophy history.
Karnataka and Mumbai are joint-second with four titles. Meanwhile, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the only teams to have lifted two trophies on the bounce.
The trophy was shared by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh in the 2004-05 season.
Bengal have finished runner-up five times, the most in the competition.
Bengal, Railways, Delhi, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh have all won the title once each.