Manipur tops Ranji Plate Group, earns Elite Group berth; set to face Bihar

Imphal: Manipur emerged as the table-topper in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group, earning a spot to play Bihar in the Elite Group match scheduled for next year (January 22 to 26).

Manipur finished as league winners with 18 points, while Bihar placed second with 16 points in the Plate Group at the CK Pithawala Ground in Surat.

The Ranji Trophy Plate Group consists of six teams: Manipur, Bihar, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

In the group stage, Manipur collected 18 points with two wins, and Bihar followed with 16 points.

The result means Manipur will compete against stronger teams in the Elite Group next season for the second time, alongside Bihar.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Manipur Ranji team.

In his X post, Biren wrote, “A moment of immense pride for our State as the Manipur Ranji Team has reached the finals of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group, topping the group and remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.”

He added, “As the team prepares to face Bihar in the finals, I extend my best wishes. A victory will take us to the Elite Group next year, reaffirming Manipur’s growing strength in national sports. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and the entire support staff.”

Manipur coach Siddharth Trivedi said, “We are in the finals! Every game is a takeaway, and the boys have shown tremendous commitment in all the matches. Congratulations to everyone in the team, including the support staff and the Manipur Cricket Association, for this achievement.”

Manipur captain K. Bishorjit said, “I’m feeling incredibly grateful and proud of the team. As we prepare for the final against Bihar, our focus will be on keeping things simple, sticking to our strengths, and playing fearless cricket.”