India, Oct. 14 -- The Ranji Trophy kicks off on Wednesday at multiple venues with defending champions Vidarbha facing an easy clash against Nagaland. Among the tougher opening round games, Saurashtra play Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh are pitted against Punjab, Mumbai face Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu host Jharkhand and Kerala meet Maharashtra.

But any pre-tournament favourites? About a decade ago, Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Delhi were straightforward choices. Not any longer.

It is the impact Vidarbha have had on the premier first-class tournament. From the time they won the first time in 2017-18, from among the fancied teams, only Mumbai have won it. The Ranji Trophy has seen some new winners since in Saurashtra and Madhya Pradesh, w...