India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been named in Saurashtra's squad for their opening match of the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season against Chhattisgarh, starting on October 11 in Rajkot. The experienced left-arm spinner will use the domestic fixture to prepare for India's upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand.
Saurashtra have included Jadeja in their 16-member squad, with veteran left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat continuing as captain. The two-time Ranji Trophy champions will be looking to make a strong start after exiting the competition during the group stage last season.
Jadeja Looks to Build Red-Ball Rhythm
Jadeja's inclusion comes after his involvement in India's recent ODI series against the West Indies, which India won 2–1. He featured in two matches, taking two wickets without getting an opportunity to bat.
The Ranji Trophy opener offers the all-rounder an opportunity to spend valuable time in the middle and regain his rhythm in red-ball cricket ahead of India's next Test assignment.
India are scheduled to face New Zealand in a two-match Test series beginning in Wellington on November 19, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27. Jadeja's experience with both bat and ball could prove important in the longer format.
Jaydev Unadkat to Lead Saurashtra
Unadkat will captain Saurashtra in the opening fixture against Chhattisgarh. The experienced left-arm pacer will lead a squad featuring a blend of established domestic performers and emerging players.
Saurashtra have retained most of their previous squad, with young pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav among the new additions.
The team has previously won the Ranji Trophy in the 2019–20 and 2022–23 seasons. They will be eager to improve on last season's early exit and establish momentum at the beginning of the new campaign.
Saurashtra vs Chhattisgarh: Match Details
Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Tournament | Ranji Trophy 2026–27 |
Match | Saurashtra vs Chhattisgarh |
Start Date | October 11, 2026 |
Venue | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot |
Saurashtra Captain | Jaydev Unadkat |
Key Player | Ravindra Jadeja |
Format | First-class cricket |
Saurashtra Squad for Ranji Trophy 2026–27
Saurashtra have selected the following squad for their opening match against Chhattisgarh.
No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
1 | Jaydev Unadkat (Captain) | Left-arm fast bowler |
2 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
3 | Harvik Desai | Wicketkeeper-batter |
4 | Arpit Vasavada | Batter |
5 | Chirag Jani | All-rounder |
6 | Prerak Mankad | All-rounder |
7 | Jay Gohil | Batter |
8 | Chetan Sakariya | Left-arm fast bowler |
9 | Ankur Panwar | Bowler |
10 | Sammar Gajjar | Player |
11 | Parth Bhut | Left-arm spinner |
12 | Vishvarajsinh Jadeja | Player |
13 | Hetvik Kotak | Player |
14 | Neel Pandya | Fast bowler |
15 | Arth Yadav | All-rounder |
16 | Tarang Gohel | Batter |
What Jadeja's Ranji Trophy Appearance Means for India
Jadeja remains an important option for India's Test team because of his ability to contribute in all three departments. His left-arm spin, reliable batting and sharp fielding make him particularly valuable in demanding red-ball matches.
The upcoming domestic fixture will provide an opportunity to assess his match readiness ahead of the New Zealand series. However, his performance in the Ranji Trophy opener will ultimately determine how much time he spends at the crease and in the field.
For Saurashtra, having an international all-rounder available adds experience to a side hoping to begin the new season on a positive note.
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