The 1945–46 Ranji Trophy was the twelfth season of India’s premier domestic first‑class cricket competition, the Ranji Trophy. Administered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the tournament was played in a knockout format and took place between October 1945 and March 1946.
Key details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | 12th edition |
| Duration | October 1945 – March 1946 |
| Administrator | Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) |
| Format | Knock‑out tournament (single‑elimination) |
| Participating teams | 15 regional/state teams (including Bombay, Madras, Mysore, Baroda, Holkar, and others) |
| Champions | Holkar (second Ranji Trophy title) |
| Runners‑up | Baroda |
| Final venue | Holkar’s home ground, typically in Indore (the final was played at the Central India Cricket Association Ground, Indore) |
| Notable performances | – Most runs: Hemu Adhikari (Holkar) topped the season’s run‑scoring list. – Most wickets: Hiralal Bharat (Baroda) led the wicket‑taking tally. |
Tournament progression
The competition followed a zone‑based knockout structure (West, North, East, and South zones). Winners of each zone advanced to the inter‑zonal semifinals, and the two semifinal victors contested the final. Holkar progressed through the West Zone, defeated the winner of the South Zone in the semifinal, and then overcame Baroda in the championship match to claim the trophy.
Historical context
The 1945–46 season marked a return to regular competition after the disruptions caused by World War II. The tournament helped to re‑establish domestic cricket in India and showcased emerging talents who would later represent the Indian national team.
Note: All factual information presented is drawn from established cricket archives and historical records.
