Ranji Trophy Quarter-Finals 2025 : The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy has reached its most exciting phase as eight elite teams battle for supremacy in the quarter-finals starting February 8, 2025. With stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Cheteshwar Pujara returning to red-ball cricket, these knockout matches promise high drama and intense competition. Let’s dive into what makes these quarter-finals a must-watch cricket spectacle.
Quarter-Final Matchups: The Battle Lines Are Drawn
Four exciting contests await cricket fans:
- Jammu & Kashmir vs Kerala at MCA Stadium, Pune
- Vidarbha vs Tamil Nadu at VCA Ground, Nagpur
- Haryana vs Mumbai at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Saurashtra vs Gujarat at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
All matches begin at 9:30 AM IST (except Haryana vs Mumbai at 9:00 AM) and will be played from February 8-12, 2025.
Star Power: The Return of the Giants
Suryakumar Yadav’s Mumbai Mission
Fresh from his T20I exploits against England, SKY joins a strong Mumbai lineup aiming to defend their title. His presence adds explosive batting potential to Mumbai’s middle order as they face Haryana at the iconic Eden Gardens.Pujara’s Saurashtra Homecoming
Cheteshwar Pujara returns to lead Saurashtra against Gujarat in what promises to be an intense western derby. His vast experience and recent domestic form make Saurashtra serious contenders for the title.
Key Storylines to Watch
J&K’s Cinderella Story
Jammu & Kashmir’s third quarter-final appearance (first in five years) represents one of domestic cricket’s most inspiring stories. Despite playing their “home” game in Pune due to weather conditions, their qualification as Group A toppers shows their remarkable progress.Mumbai’s Title Defense
The defending champions made a dramatic last-minute entry into the quarters with a crushing win over Meghalaya. With SKY and Shivam Dube available, they’re looking stronger than ever.Vidarbha’s Home Advantage
As group toppers, Vidarbha earned the right to host their quarter-final against Tamil Nadu. Their consistent performance throughout the league stage makes them formidable opponents.
Path to Glory: Tournament Structure
The quarter-final winners will progress to the semi-finals scheduled for February 17-21, 2025. The winners of QF1 and QF4 will meet in the first semi-final, while QF2 and QF3 winners clash in the second. The final is set for February 26 – March 2, 2025.
Verdict: A Tournament at Its Peak
The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy quarter-finals represent domestic cricket at its finest. With a perfect mix of established stars and emerging talent, these matches promise to showcase India’s deep cricket reservoir. Whether it’s J&K’s fairytale run, Mumbai’s title defense, or Pujara’s quest for another trophy with Saurashtra, every match offers compelling narratives.As the tournament enters its business end, one thing’s certain: Indian cricket’s future looks bright, and these quarter-finals will likely uncover the next generation of national team stars.The action begins February 8 – don’t miss cricket history in the making!
Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Why is J&K playing in Pune despite topping their group?
A: Adverse weather conditions in their home state forced the shift to a neutral venue.
Q: Can Suryakumar Yadav adapt from T20s to multi-day cricket?
A: His first-class average of 44.75 suggests he can successfully transition between formats.
Q: What makes this year’s quarters special?
A: The presence of international stars like Pujara and SKY, plus J&K’s inspiring run, adds extra excitement.
Q: Who are the favorites?
A: Defending champions Mumbai and group-toppers Vidarbha look strong, but knockout cricket often produces surprises.