Saurashtra, a new champion: Here’s the complete list of Ranji Trophy winners

For the third time in the last four years, India’s premier domestic event witnessed a new champion.

On Friday in Rajkot, it was Saurashtra’s turn to be crowned winners as they lifted the Ranji Trophy 2019-20 title following a hard-fought final against Bengal at their home ground.

The first session of the final day was the all-important phase of play. While Bengal needed 72 runs, Saurashtra were in need of four wickets for the critical first-innings lead to decide the winner.

And who else, but Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat who put his hand up. First, he trapped the well-set Anustup Majumdar LBW and then showed great presence of mind to throw the ball at the striker’s end to catch Akash Deep unaware.

Fittingly, Unadkat then picked up his second wicket of the match and 67th wicket of the Ranji Trophy season as he got Ishan Porel out LBW to confirm the first innings lead and essentially, the title.

Celebrations began in the Saurashtra camp soon after as they secured the first-innings lead of 44 runs and eventually clinched the title in their fourth final appearance.

With Gujarat and Vidarbha’s triumphs in the three seasons before this, the 86th edition witnessed another first-time winner. On the other hand, Bengal’s three-decade wait for a title continued.