Ranji vs County: Which tournament helps players get India call-ups?

The Ranji Trophy and the County Championship are two of the biggest and most prestigious red-ball tournaments in the game of cricket.

The first edition of the Ranji Trophy ran from November 4, 1934, to March 12, 1935. It was contested by 15 teams in a knockout format. The teams were divided into four zones. Bombay (now Mumbai) defeated Northern India by 208 runs at the Bombay Gymkhana Ground.

Meanwhile, the County Championship was established in 1890 and organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). It is the world's first domestic cricket tournament. Surrey became the inaugural champions, winning nine out of 14 matches.

Over the years, both tournaments have given India and England some fantastic players who have brought laurels to their respective nations. However, which tournament helps players get India call-ups?

Most Indian players who enter the national team do so on the back of consistent performances in domestic cricket in India. However, there are some cricketers who go the County route to enhance their game and technical skills. Good performances in England improve their chances of playing for the Indian team, especially in Test cricket. Established Indian Test players who don't take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) also use the window to play County cricket.

Cheteshwar Pujara is a prime example of an Indian cricketer honing his craft in England in the County circuit and doing well for the national team in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. Sai Sudharsan, who recently received his maiden Test team call-up, played for Surrey in County cricket and did reasonably well.

Indian cricketers playing County cricket in 2025 season

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Indian cricketers playing County cricket in 2025 season

Many Indian fast bowlers have played County cricket in India in recent times, like Jaydev Unadkat and Arshdeep Singh.

Ranji Trophy remains the prime platform for Indian cricketers to showcase their potential and stake a claim for spots in the national team. However, experience of playing County cricket is an added advantage, which can help them to hone their skills, especially in foreign conditions.