A Central India team competed in the Ranji Trophy between 1934–35 and 1939–40, playing 12 matches. In 1941, Holkar entered the competition, organised and managed by King Yashwantrao Holkar II belonging to the Holkar dynasty of the Marathas. In the fourteen years of its existence Holkar, which included such players as C. K. Nayudu and Mushtaq Ali, won the title four times and finished second on six other occasions.
Another Ranji Trophy team later to be absorbed by Madhya Pradesh was Gwalior (one match in 1943-44).

History
Holkar cricket team
Holkar cricket team
Madhya Pradesh team