Maharaja Ranjitsinh of Nawanagar, also famous as "Ranji", can be referred to as the father of Indian cricket bcoz of his early exploits in the history of the game involving the British, as also for his steadfast patronage of the game in the country. For more info you can read link: http://www.amarujala.com/sports/Cricket/Spt/ranjit-singh-was-father-of-indian-cricket-12529-1.html
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