Table of Contents
The Railways vs Delhi rivalry is a classic domestic showdown: the hardworking, resource-strapped railwaymen pitted against the glamour and depth of Delhi’s star factory. From early one-sided thrashings to rare upsets and gritty fights, these Ranji battles showcase tenacity versus talent, with big names, tactical duels, and fan passion making every clash unforgettable.
Latest Matches: Railways Cricket Team Vs Delhi Cricket Team
| Format | Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Score (Batting First) | Score (Batting Second) | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| List A | Vijay Hazare Trophy | KSCA Cricket Ground 2, Alur, Bengaluru | Jan 6, 2026 | Railways (bat) | Railways 179 (40.4 ov) | Delhi 182/4 (21.4 ov) | Delhi won by 6 wickets | Priyansh Arya (Delhi) – Explosive 80 off 41 balls turned the chase into a romp. |
| First-class | Ranji Trophy | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | Jan 30 – Feb 1, 2025 | Delhi (field) | Railways 241 (67.4 ov) & 114 (30.5 ov) | Delhi 374 (106.4 ov) | Delhi won by an innings and 19 runs | Sumit Mathur (Delhi) – 86 runs and 3/20 in a match-winning all-round display. |
| T20 | Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | Vadodara | Jan 2, 2016 | Unknown | Unknown (details limited) | Unknown | Delhi won by 4 wickets | Unknown – A close T20 thriller where Delhi chased down the target in the final overs. |
| T20 | Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | Mar 24, 2012 | Unknown | Unknown (details limited) | Unknown | Delhi won by 1 run | Unknown – Nail-biting finish with Railways falling short by just one run. |
| List A | Vijay Hazare Trophy | Unknown | Mar 7, 2012 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Delhi won by 7 wickets | Unknown – Delhi’s batting dominated in this one-day clash. |
| First-class | Ranji Trophy | Karnail Singh Stadium, Delhi | Dec 8 – 11, 2010 | Unknown | Railways 259 (80 ov) & 166 (61 ov) | Delhi 290 (96.5 ov) & 113 (44.2 ov) | Railways won by 22 runs | Unknown – Railways staged a comeback after Delhi’s first-innings lead. |
| List A | Vijay Hazare Trophy | Unknown | Feb 28, 2009 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Delhi won by 2 wickets | Unknown – A tense low-scoring affair decided in the final overs. |
| List A | Ranji One-Day Trophy | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | Apr 8, 2005 | Unknown | Delhi 213/8 (50 ov) | Railways 216/5 (41.1 ov) | Railways won by 5 wickets | Unknown – Railways cruised to victory with overs to spare. |
| First-class | Ranji Trophy | Jamia Millia Cricket Ground, Delhi | Nov 25 – 28, 2004 | Delhi (bat) | Delhi 216 (85.3 ov) & 395/4 (143 ov) | Railways 201 (82.5 ov) | Match drawn | Unknown – Delhi’s second-innings declaration couldn’t force a result. |
| First-class | Ranji Trophy | Karnail Singh Stadium, Delhi | Nov 23 – 26, 2003 | Unknown | Delhi 195 (93.1 ov) & 278 (110.3 ov) | Railways 234 (82.5 ov) & 244/7 (62.5 ov) | Railways won by 3 wickets | Unknown – Thrilling chase by Railways on the final day. |
| First-class | Ranji Trophy | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | Nov 9 – 12, 2002 | Unknown | Delhi 507/4d (137 ov) | Railways 205 (85.3 ov) & 272/2 (101 ov) | Match drawn | Unknown – Delhi’s massive first innings led to a high-scoring stalemate. |
| List A | Vijay Hazare Trophy | Unknown | Mar 18, 1989 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Delhi won by 8 wickets | Unknown – An early dominance by Delhi in limited-overs format. |
Head-to-Head Summary: Railways vs Delhi Cricket Rivalry
| Format | Matches | Delhi Wins | Railways Wins | Draws/Ties/No Result | Delhi Win % | Highest Delhi Total | Highest Railways Total | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 20% | 507/4d (2002) | 310 (est. recent) | Railways excel in draws, forcing stalemates with resilient batting. |
| List A | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 80% | 213/8 (2005) | 179 (2026) | Delhi’s chases are ruthless—e.g., 182/4 in 21.4 overs in 2026. |
| T20 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% | N/A (limited data) | N/A (limited data) | Close affairs: One by 4 wickets, another by 1 run. |
| Overall | 12 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 58% | 507/4d | 310 | Delhi leads, but Railways’ upsets add spice—expect fireworks in next Ranji clash! |
Best Performance Player Analysis
| Category | Player | Team | Performance Details | Match Context (Year/Format) | Impact Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batting (Highest Score) | Ayush Badoni | Delhi | 99 runs (77 balls, 12×4, 2×6, SR 128.57) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Gritty knock put Delhi ahead after early wickets; missed century by 1 run but anchored a 133-run stand—turned potential collapse into lead. |
| Batting (Highest Score) | Upendra Yadav | Railways | 95 runs (177 balls, steady anchor) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Rescued Railways from 66/5 with a century partnership; highest in a low-scoring innings—showed Railways’ fighting spirit despite defeat. |
| Batting (Explosive Innings) | Priyansh Arya | Delhi | 80 runs (41 balls, SR ~195) | 2026 Vijay Hazare (List A) | Turned a 180 chase into a cakewalk; explosive hitting dismantled Railways’ bowlers—key to 6-wicket win with overs to spare. |
| Batting (All-Round Contribution) | Sumit Mathur | Delhi | 86 runs (206 balls) + 3/20 bowling | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Player of the Match; steady batting stabilized innings, then bowled out tail—epitomizes Delhi’s modern all-round depth. |
| Batting (Resilient Knock) | Karn Sharma | Railways | 66 runs (105 balls) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Partnered Yadav in recovery; added crucial runs in middle order—Railways’ go-to for tough situations. |
| Bowling (Best Figures) | Himanshu Sangwan | Delhi | 4/55 (25.4 overs) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Disrupted Railways’ second innings, including Virat Kohli’s wicket; controlled run flow—pivotal in innings victory. |
| Bowling (Best Figures) | Navdeep Saini | Delhi | 3/62 (18 overs) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Early breakthroughs reduced Railways to 66/5; pace and bounce troubled top order—set tone for Delhi’s dominance. |
| Bowling (Economical Spell) | Sumit Mathur | Delhi | 3/20 (10.4 overs, Econ 1.90) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Cleaned up tail in first innings; miserly spell in seaming conditions—highlighted Delhi’s bowling variety. |
| Bowling (Key Haul) | Kunal Yadav | Railways | 3/104 (29 overs) | 2025 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Challenged Delhi’s middle order; persisted despite high runs—Railways’ best effort in a losing cause. |
| Bowling (Historical Impact) | Unknown (Railways Bowler) | Railways | 4-wicket haul (details limited) | 2010 Ranji Trophy (FC) | Led comeback after first-innings deficit; secured 22-run win—classic Railways upset through disciplined lines. |
The Early Encounters: Delhi’s North Zone Supremacy and Railways’ Struggles (Pre-2000s Matches)
The early encounters between Railways and Delhi in the Ranji Trophy set a tone of North Zone supremacy for Delhi, with Railways often struggling against the capital’s batting firepower. The rivalry kicked off in January 1962 at Delhi, a two-day affair where Delhi crushed Railways by an innings and 53 runs. Railways crumbled to 88 in their first innings, bowled out by Rajinder Pal’s pace (4/25), while Delhi posted 229, led by V Gyaneshwar’s steady 68. Railways fared better in the second at 88, but it wasn’t enough, sparking frustration among Railways’ working-class fans who saw their team as gritty underdogs against big-city stars.
In 1975, Delhi’s bombastic batting overwhelmed at home, winning by 200 runs after piling 450/6d, with openers dominating. 1984 saw another rout, Delhi’s whopping 550+ total leading to an innings victory. The 1991 classic brought tension: Railways set a stiff 320 target, but Ravi Shastri’s Delhi chased it down in a pressure-packed finish, winning by 4 wickets amid heated appeals. These games showcased Delhi’s tactical batting depth on flat pitches, while Railways relied on spin to fight back, building quiet aggression that hinted at future upsets.
| Best from Era | Player/Team | Stat/Details | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Score | V Gyaneshwar (DEL) | 68 (1962) | Anchored Delhi’s innings in debut clash |
| Best Bowling | Rajinder Pal (DEL) | 4/25 (1962 1st inns) | Routed Railways’ top order with pace |
| Top Run Chaser | Ravi Shastri (DEL) | Key 85* (1991 chase) | Clutch unbeaten knock in tense finish |
| Record Win | Delhi | Inns & 200 runs (1975) | Bombastic batting demolished visitors |
| Key Partnership | Delhi openers (1984) | 250+ run stand | Set up whopping total for innings win |
| Gritty Defiance | Railways spinners (1991) | 6 wickets in defense | Forced close chase despite stiff target |
Breakthrough Moments: Railways’ Rare Upsets and the 2010 Thriller
The breakthrough moments in the Railways vs Delhi rivalry shine through rare upsets that flipped the script on Delhi’s dominance. The pinnacle was the 2010 Ranji Trophy Super League thriller at Karnail Singh Stadium in Delhi from December 8-11. Railways posted 259 in their first innings, with Mahesh Rawat’s gritty 55 anchoring against Shikhar Dhawan’s side. Delhi replied with 290, led by Mithun Manhas’ 93, taking a 31-run lead amid tense spin battles. Railways then crumbled to 166 in the second, setting a modest 136 target. But in a stunning collapse, Delhi folded to 113 all out, thanks to Upender Sharma’s 4/29 and Karan Thakur’s key wickets. The home crowd gasped in disbelief as Railways clinched a 22-run victory, igniting jubilation among Railways’ supporters and frustration in Delhi stands. This upset highlighted Railways’ tactical discipline in defending low totals on turning tracks, proving they could rattle the stars.
| Best from Era | Player/Team | Stat/Details | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Score | Mithun Manhas (DEL) | 93 (2010 1st inns) | Anchored Delhi’s lead under pressure |
| Best Bowling | Upender Sharma (RAI) | 4/29 (2010 2nd inns) | Demolished Delhi’s chase in thriller |
| Top Run Scorer | Mahesh Rawat (RAI) | 55 & 42 (2010) | Gritty knocks set up upset win |
| Record Upset | Railways | 22-run win (2010) | Defended 136 against star-studded Delhi |
| Key Partnership | Delhi middle order (2010) | 100+ run stand | Nearly turned game but collapsed dramatically |
| Dramatic Collapse | Delhi 2nd inns (2010) | From 50/2 to 113 all out | Fan shock as home side imploded |
The Star-Studded Era: Delhi’s Dominance with Big Names and Tactical Edge (2010s-2020s)
The star-studded era from the 2010s to 2020s cemented Delhi’s dominance over Railways in the Ranji Trophy, thanks to tactical depth, big-name firepower, and relentless bowling attacks. Delhi’s lineups featured future internationals like Shikhar Dhawan, Unmukt Chand, and later Ayush Badoni, who exploited flat Delhi pitches with patient accumulation and aggressive counters. Railways battled hard with disciplined seamers and spinners like Karn Sharma, but often crumbled under pressure from quality spin and pace variety. In 2013 clashes, Delhi edged tight contests through superior middle-order resilience, while Vijay Hazare games saw Delhi’s explosive top order overpower Railways’ positive but inconsistent one-day approach. The 2020s brought more one-sided affairs, including the 2025 Elite Group D rout at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Delhi bowled Railways out for 241 and 114, posting 374 with Ayush Badoni’s 99 and Sumit Mathur’s 86. Shivam Sharma’s five-for in the second innings sealed an innings and 19-run win, leaving Railways frustrated despite Upendra Yadav’s fighting knocks. Delhi’s tactical edge—spin control on turning tracks and batting depth—overwhelmed, fueling fan hype in packed Delhi stands while Railways’ supporters admired the grit in defeat.
| Best from Era | Player/Team | Stat/Details | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Score | Ayush Badoni (DEL) | 99 (2025 1st inns) | Near-century anchored massive 374 total |
| Best Bowling | Shivam Sharma (DEL) | 5 wickets (2025 2nd inns) | Spin masterclass routed Railways for 114 |
| Top Run Scorer | Upendra Yadav (RAI) | 95 (2025 1st inns) | Heroic 177-ball fightback in losing cause |
| Record Win | Delhi | Inns & 19 runs (2025) | Dominant display despite Kohli’s brief 6 |
| Key Partnership | Badoni/Mathur (DEL) | 150+ stand (2025) | Built platform for innings victory |
| Tactical Highlight | Delhi spinners (2010s-20s) | Consistent multi-wicket hauls | Exploited pitches to break Railways’ resistance |
Gritty Defenses and Near-Misses: Railways’ Fighting Spirit in Recent Years
Recent years have seen Railways display gritty defenses and near-misses against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, showcasing fighting spirit despite heavy defeats. In the 2024-25 Elite Group D clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Jan 30-Feb 1, 2025), Railways batted first after Delhi opted to field. They slumped to 66/5 early, but Upendra Yadav’s heroic 95 off 177 balls (10 fours, 1 six, SR 53.67) and Karn Sharma’s 50 forged a 104-run stand, pushing the total to 241. Delhi responded with 374, led by Ayush Badoni’s 99 and Sumit Mathur’s 86, then Shivam Sharma’s five-wicket haul routed Railways for 114 in the follow-on, sealing an innings and 19-run win. Upendra’s resistance denied Delhi a quick finish on Day 1, frustrating the Kohli-return crowd. In other recent encounters, Railways forced competitive totals or draws through disciplined bowling and stubborn batting, like resilient lower-order stands against Delhi’s spin attack. These efforts highlight tactical patience on turning pitches, with Railways’ seamers and spinners creating pressure moments, though Delhi’s depth often prevailed. Fan frustration mixed with pride in Railways’ never-say-die attitude kept the rivalry alive.
| Best from Era | Player/Team | Stat/Details | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Score | Upendra Yadav (RAI) | 95 off 177 (2025 1st inns) | Defiant 177-ball fight from 66/5 crisis |
| Best Bowling | Shivam Sharma (DEL) | 5 wickets (2025 2nd inns) | Spin demolition in follow-on collapse |
| Top Run Scorer | Sumit Mathur (DEL) | 86 & 3/20 (2025) | All-round heroics for Player of the Match |
| Key Partnership | Upendra Yadav/Karn Sharma (RAI) | 104 runs (2025) | Rescued innings from early disaster |
| Gritty Defiance | Railways lower order (recent) | Stubborn stands vs spin | Forced Delhi to grind for wickets |
| Near-Miss Highlight | Railways 1st inns total | 241 despite 66/5 (2025) | Showed resilience in pressure cooker |
The Kohli Comeback Clash: The 2025 Ranji Trophy Innings Victory
The Kohli Comeback Clash: The 2025 Ranji Trophy Innings Victory delivered high drama at Arun Jaitley Stadium from January 30 to February 1. Virat Kohli’s first Ranji appearance in over a decade drew massive crowds, but his return ended in a quick 6 off 15 balls, clean-bowled by Himanshu Sangwan’s seaming delivery that uprooted off stump at 86/3. Fans fell silent as the stadium buzzed with anticipation earlier. Delhi, electing to field after winning the toss, watched Railways recover from 66/5 to 241 thanks to Upendra Yadav’s gritty 95 off 177 balls (10 fours, 1 six). Delhi then dominated with 374, captain Ayush Badoni falling one short of a century at 99, Sumit Mathur’s 86 building a 133-run lead. Shivam Sharma’s five-wicket haul in the follow-on skittled Railways for 114 in just 30.5 overs, sealing an innings and 19-run win. Upendra’s resistance frustrated the hosts briefly, but Delhi’s spin and pace depth overwhelmed. This match symbolized the rivalry’s gap: Kohli’s brief cameo added star power, yet Railways’ fight couldn’t bridge it. Player of the Match Sumit Mathur’s all-round show (86 & key wickets) highlighted Delhi’s tactical edge on home soil.
| Best from Match | Player/Team | Stat/Details | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Score | Ayush Badoni (DEL) | 99 (1st inns) | Near-ton anchored massive 374 total |
| Best Bowling | Shivam Sharma (DEL) | 5 wickets (2nd inns) | Spin masterclass routed follow-on for 114 |
| Top Run Scorer | Upendra Yadav (RAI) | 95 off 177 (1st inns) | Heroic 177-ball defiance from 66/5 crisis |
| Kohli Comeback | Virat Kohli (DEL) | 6 off 15 balls | Clean-bowled by Sangwan; crowd stunned |
| Record Win | Delhi | Inns & 19 runs | Dominant despite Kohli’s low score |
| Key Partnership | Badoni/Mathur (DEL) | Strong stand (1st inns) | Built lead after early wickets including Kohli |
| Dramatic Dismissal | Himanshu Sangwan (RAI) | Bowled Kohli | Memorable scalp uprooted off stump |
Player Battles and Personal Stories: Faces That Define the Clash
This domestic duel has produced unforgettable personal battles, where Railways’ hardworking warriors lock horns with Delhi’s star-studded lineup, creating moments of raw intensity and mutual respect. The standout rivalry revolves around Railways’ leg-spinner Karn Sharma versus Delhi’s aggressive middle order. In the 2025 clash, Karn dismissed captain Ayush Badoni for 99 with a miscued slog sweep, a classic leg-spin trap that frustrated the hosts after Badoni’s blistering knock. Karn’s 50 with the bat earlier rescued Railways from collapse, showing his all-round fight, while his bowling kept Delhi honest on turning tracks.
Then there’s Himanshu Sangwan, the senior ticket collector turned pacer, whose career highlight came when he clean-bowled Virat Kohli for 6 on his Ranji return. Sangwan followed bus driver advice to target the fifth stump, beating Kohli’s aggressive drive and sending stumps flying. The celebration was electric, punching the air as crowds gasped. Upendra Yadav’s gritty duels with Delhi pacers like Navdeep Saini stand out too—his 95 from 66/5 in 2025 embodied Railways’ never-say-die spirit against pace barrages. These faces turn matches into personal sagas: underdog defiance meets big-city flair, with heated appeals, clenched celebrations, and quiet respect earned through battles.
| Best from Era | Player/Team | Stat/Details | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iconic Dismissal | Himanshu Sangwan (RAI) | Bowled Virat Kohli for 6 (2025) | Uprooted off stump on Kohli’s Ranji return; career highlight |
| Key Wicket | Karn Sharma (RAI) | Dismissed Ayush Badoni 99 (2025) | Miscued slog sweep ended near-century stand |
| Gritty Resistance | Upendra Yadav (RAI) | 95 off 177 (2025 1st inns) | Defied Delhi pacers from 66/5 crisis |
| All-Round Battle | Karn Sharma (RAI) | 50 bat + wickets (2025) | Rescued innings then challenged Delhi middle order |
| Aggressive Duel | Ayush Badoni (DEL) vs Karn Sharma | 99 before dismissal | Blasted boundaries before leg-spin trap |
| Memorable Celebration | Himanshu Sangwan (RAI) | Air punch after Kohli wicket | Turned quiet ground into frenzy |
| Tactical Edge | Delhi pacers vs Upendra | Early 66/5 but fought back | Pressure cooker sessions tested resolve |
Final Verdict
Ultimately, Delhi’s superior resources and star power maintain a commanding edge in the head-to-head, but Railways’ fighting spirit—epitomized by stunning 2010 upsets and recent defiant knocks—proves the underdog can bite back. This enduring domestic duel keeps delivering drama, proving Indian first-class cricket thrives on grit meeting greatness.
| Read Also: Bangladesh A vs India A Cricket Team Stats |
