Mumbai has produced more Test cricketers and won the Ranji Trophy on more occasions than any other city or state in India. When the mighty Sunil Gavaskar, first to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket and scourer of most centuries (34) says, “Whatever I am in the game today is due to the fact that is Bombay”, it is no exaggeration. According to him, the most intense clashes he ever took part in were India vs. Pakistan, Mumbai vs. Delhi and Dadar Union Vs Shivaji Park Gymkhana.
Mumbai’s proud record in the Ranji Trophy has faded from the glory days that lasted till the mid 1970s. Nor do its players these days dominate the ranks of the national team, as head traditionally been the case since India made its international debut in 1932. Indeed there have been occasions when Sachin Tendulkar was the sole representative in the Test side from the city that boasts the proudest cricket tradition in the land. Before that Mumbai remained unbeaten from 1958-59 to 1972-73 a golden streak of 15 years unprecedented in the history of first class cricket.
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