Answer:

Introduction:
In the story "Ranji's Wonderful Bat" by Ruskin Bond, the protagonist Ranji is a young boy who is passionate about playing cricket. However, his mother is concerned about his studies and wants him to focus on his schoolwork. In the given options, the correct answer is option 'B', which states that Ranji's mother insisted on him staying home for the rest of the day.

Explanation:
Ranji's mother, like any caring parent, wants him to prioritize his studies and not get distracted by his passion for cricket. She is aware that Ranji is spending too much time playing cricket and neglecting his schoolwork. Therefore, when Ranji's mother finds out that he has skipped school to play cricket, she becomes upset and insists that he stays home for the rest of the day.

Reasoning:
There are a few reasons why option 'B' is the correct answer:

1. Ranji's mother wants him to focus on his studies:
Ranji's mother knows the importance of education and wants him to excel in his academics. By insisting that he stays home for the rest of the day, she aims to ensure that he dedicates his time to his schoolwork.

2. Skipping school is not acceptable:
Ranji's mother is disappointed when she discovers that he has skipped school to play cricket. She wants to teach him the importance of attending school regularly and not indulging in activities that can hinder his education.

3. Immediate consequences for his actions:
By making Ranji stay home for the rest of the day, his mother is giving him an immediate consequence for his decision to skip school. This helps him understand the gravity of his actions and the need to prioritize his responsibilities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ranji's mother insists that he stays home for the rest of the day in order to make him realize the importance of his studies and to discourage him from skipping school. This incident serves as a lesson for Ranji about the need to balance his passion for cricket with his academic responsibilities.