Who to blame for UP’s Ranji Trophy misses?

If domestic giants Mumbai could win the prestigious Ranji Trophy for a record 42 times in the last 90 years, then a lot of it must be due to the good planning of Mumbai Cricket Association. However, the advantage of playing at home ground every season is also key to their streak.

- Sharad Deep

Playing four matches on home turf every season makes a significant difference and helps the side to qualify for the knockouts. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh, which often misses this advantage for its inconsistent venues, struggles to make it to even the knockout stage.

Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association gives the hosting rights of home matches to its district units, thus pushing the side back as the home side always plays on a new turf.

In the last 10 seasons, Uttar Pradesh has played 28 matches, won just two, lost five and drawn 21. These matches were played at seven venues in the state. Out of 10 matches at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, UP could win just one, and the result of nine others ended in a draw.

The side conceded its first innings lead in four matches, whereas one match remained unfinished.

Uttar Pradesh’s worst home track record is at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, where they conceded their lead in six out of 11 matches. It won and lost one match each, besides drawing six matches.