Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, better known as Ranji, was an Indian prince and one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Born on September 10, 1872, in Sarodar, Gujarat, India, Ranji revolutionized the game with his innovative stroke-playing and impeccable technique. Not only did he accumulate runs at an impressive rate, but he also introduced new shots that became an integral part of modern cricket.
Despite never having played an organized game of cricket before arriving at Cambridge in 1891, Ranji quickly made a name for himself. It was during his time at Cambridge that he acquired the nickname “Smith.” In his final summer at the university, he earned a Blue, a prestigious award given to outstanding sportsmen.
Ranji made his debut for Sussex at Lord’s in May 1895 in spectacular fashion, scoring 77 and 150 against the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). His test debut against Australia at Old Trafford in 1896 further solidified his status as a remarkable batsman. In that match, he scored 62 and an unbeaten 154, showcasing his immense talent and power.
From 1895 onwards, Ranji consistently surpassed 1,000 runs in ten successive seasons. In 1899 and 1900, he reached the milestone of 3,000 runs, establishing himself as a prolific scorer. He was equally impressive on foreign tours, amassing 1,157 runs at an average of 60.89 during his sole trip to Australia in 1897-98. Ranji’s name became synonymous with Sussex, and he forged a close friendship with fellow cricketer CB Fry.
For five years, from 1899 to 1903, Ranji led Sussex as its captain. However, in 1904, he returned to India to fulfill his duties as the newly appointed Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar. Despite this transition, he continued to play cricket and achieved over 1,000 runs in both 1908 and 1912. His final few appearances for Sussex came in 1920, although, by then, he was almost 48 years old, overweight, and had tragically lost an eye in a shooting accident. It was an unfortunate end to an extraordinary cricketing career, with Ranji scoring only 39 runs at an average of 9.75.
Ranji’s contributions extended beyond the cricket field. As the Maharaja Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, he was a popular and benevolent ruler, having ascended to the position in March 1907. Additionally, his involvement with the Chamber of Princes and the League of Nations after World War I demonstrated his commitment to public service and diplomacy.
In 1897, Ranji authored what is widely regarded as a cricket classic, “The Jubilee Book of Cricket.” The book further illustrated his deep understanding and love for the sport. His nephew, KS Duleepsinhji, also had the privilege of representing England in international cricket.
When Ranji retired from the game, cricket lost a wonder and a glory. His impact, both on and off the field, was immense. Sir Neville Cardus summarized it well, stating, “When Ranji passed out of cricket, a wonder and a glory departed from the game forever.”
In recognition of his incredible contributions, Ranji’s name lives on through various trophies, including the “Ranji Trophy,” India’s premier domestic first-class cricket competition. His legacy as one of cricket’s finest batsmen endures to this day, with his style of play continuing to inspire future generations of cricketers.
