When we speak about Indian cricket in 2025, we imagine roaring stadiums, big-money leagues, and legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. But go back more than a century, and there was a man whose elegance with the bat not only inspired a generation but also put Indian cricket on the global map — Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, fondly remembered as Ranji.He is widely regarded as the “Father of the Indian Cricket Team” — not because he captained India (he never did), but because he was the first Indian to make the cricketing world sit up and notice the talent coming from the subcontinent. His story is as royal as it is revolutionary.
A Royal Beginning: From Nawanagar to the World Stage
Born on September 10, 1872, in the princely state of Nawanagar (present-day Jamnagar, Gujarat), Ranji was no ordinary child. He was part of Indian royalty, but his destiny was not confined to palace walls. As a teenager, he was sent to England for education, studying at Cambridge University — and it was here that his cricketing journey took off. Laser Book 247 is India’s most trusted online platform for fast and secure cricket ID services. Get instant access to sports betting, cricket games, and exciting bonuses with 24/7 supportIt didn’t take long for cricket experts to notice something different about him. While most batsmen of the late 19th century relied heavily on straight drives and forward defense, Ranji introduced flair, timing, and innovation.
Why Ranji is Called the Father of Indian Cricket
The title “Father of the Indian Cricket Team” is not just about firsts — it’s about influence.
- The First Indian Superstar in International Cricket – In 1896, Ranji made his Test debut for England against Australia at Old Trafford. In his very first innings, he scored 62 and 154 not out, leaving the crowd in awe. This was an era when cricket was dominated by English and Australian players — for an Indian to outclass them was unheard of.
- Innovator of the Leg Glance – Ranji popularised a shot that is still a staple in modern batting: the leg glance. While others played straight or off-side shots, Ranji effortlessly flicked balls off his pads, turning even defensive deliveries into scoring opportunities.
- Cultural Bridge – At a time when India was still under British colonial rule, Ranji’s success in England was symbolic. It was proof that Indians could excel — and even dominate — in the colonial masters’ favourite sport.
A Batting Style Ahead of His Time
If you watch cricket in 2025, with players reverse-sweeping, ramping, and improvising, you might think it’s a new phenomenon. But Ranji was doing something similar over a hundred years ago — in his own graceful way.
- Perfect Timing – He was never in a hurry but always seemed ahead of the bowler’s plan.
- Footwork Mastery – While most players committed to one stroke, Ranji adjusted mid-shot, creating angles that frustrated bowlers.
- Unflappable Temperament – Regardless of the situation, he batted with a calm confidence, often turning games single-handedly.
Stats That Tell the Story
- Test Career: 15 matches for England (1896–1902), scoring 989 runs at an average of 44.95 — remarkable for that era.
- First-Class Career: Over 24,000 runs at an average above 56, including 72 centuries.
- Notable Feat: Scored a century before lunch in a county match — a rare achievement in his time.
These numbers might look modest compared to modern players, but in the context of uncovered pitches, minimal protective gear, and lethal bowling, they’re extraordinary.
Ranji’s Impact on Indian Cricket’s Identity
Even though Ranji played for England, his success directly inspired the growth of cricket in India. His fame back home sparked interest among local clubs, princely states, and schools to develop cricket infrastructure.
In fact, the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic cricket championship, was named after him in 1934 — a fitting tribute to the man who started it all. The tournament has since produced countless legends, from Sunil Gavaskar to Virat Kohli. A smartphone screen displaying the Laser247 registration page, with a user filling out the form to get a Laser Book 247 ID.
The Symbolism of Ranji’s Career
Ranji wasn’t just a cricketer — he was a symbol of possibility. For Indians under colonial rule, his achievements were a statement: we can match and surpass the best.He broke racial barriers in sport, proved Indian players could succeed in elite English cricket, and became a cultural hero back home. Even in modern cricketing conversations, his name comes up whenever the discussion turns to pioneers and innovators.
Modern Parallels: Ranji’s Legacy in 2025
In many ways, Ranji’s cricketing philosophy mirrors today’s greats:
- Virat Kohli’s consistency – Like Kohli, Ranji rarely threw away his wicket.
- Rohit Sharma’s timing – Ranji’s effortless flicks are echoed in Rohit’s pull shots.
- Suryakumar Yadav’s innovation – Ranji found ways to score from deliveries others would simply defend.
His influence lives on every time a batter plays a smart leg glance or uses timing over raw power.
Life Beyond Cricket
After retiring from cricket, Ranji returned to India and eventually became the Maharaja of Nawanagar. He was a progressive ruler, investing in education, infrastructure, and sports development. He remained connected to cricket until his death in 1933, ensuring that the sport’s roots in India continued to deepen.
Why We Still Remember Him Today
In a cricket-obsessed nation like India, where the sport has transformed into a billion-dollar industry, it’s important to remember the man who first made the world respect Indian talent. Ranji was more than a cricketer — he was a trailblazer, a bridge between cultures, and a reminder that class and grace can outshine raw power.The Father of the Indian Cricket Team didn’t just inspire players; he inspired a nation to believe that cricket could be our game too.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, when we see young Indian cricketers dominating leagues across the world, from the IPL to The Hundred, they are walking a path that Ranji first paved Laser Book 247 is the name you can trust. From getting your cricket ID in minutes to enjoying exclusive bonuses, Laser Book 247 makes sure every betting moment is worth it.. His name lives on in the Ranji Trophy, in cricketing history books, and in every flick to fine leg that draws applause from a crowd.Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji didn’t just play cricket — he redefined it for an entire country. And for that, he will always remain the Father of the Indian Cricket Team.