Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been named in Saurashtra’s 16-member squad for their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 opener against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on October 11. Captain Jaydev Unadkat will lead the side as they look to bounce back from their group-stage exit last season.
The 92nd edition of the domestic red-ball tournament begins on October 11. Saurashtra are placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura. The tournament will also give Jadeja an opportunity to prepare for India’s upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand.
Ravindra Jadeja Prepares for New Zealand Test Tour
Ravindra Jadeja recently featured in India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies. However, he took only two wickets in two matches and did not get an opportunity to bat. The Ranji Trophy will give the left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder valuable match practice in the longer format.
The domestic matches will allow Jadeja to work on his bowling rhythm and adjust to the demands of red-ball cricket. His experience could also prove valuable for Saurashtra as they begin their campaign.
India’s two-match Test series against New Zealand will begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from November 19 to 23. The second Test is scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. Before the Test series, India will play five T20Is and five ODIs on the tour.
Jaydev Unadkat Leads Experienced Saurashtra Squad
Jaydev Unadkat will continue as captain after guiding Saurashtra to Ranji Trophy titles in 2019-20 and 2022-23. The left-arm pacer has played a key role in the team’s domestic success and will look to help the side recover from last season’s disappointing group-stage exit.
The 34-year-old recently enjoyed a productive stint with Sussex, taking 28 wickets in seven matches at an average of 22.21. His performances included a five-wicket haul of 5/32 against Hampshire and two four-wicket hauls.
Saurashtra have retained 14 players from last season’s squad, with pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav the two new additions. Both newcomers will look to establish themselves alongside the experienced players.
Harvik Desai will continue as wicketkeeper, while experienced batters Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil will strengthen the batting unit. Prerak Mankad and Tarang Gohel are also part of the squad.
Parth Bhut Takes on Greater Spin-Bowling Responsibility
Jaydev Unadkat will lead the pace attack alongside left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya and Ankur Panwar. However, experienced left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja has moved to Chhattisgarh, Saurashtra’s opening-round opponent.
Parth Bhut will need to take on a bigger role as Saurashtra adjust their bowling plans following the departure of an experienced spinner. The team will rely on its remaining bowling options to maintain balance throughout the campaign.
Saurashtra have won the Ranji Trophy twice, in 2019-20 and 2022-23, with both titles coming under Unadkat’s captaincy. A strong start in Rajkot will be important as they look to mount another challenge for the championship.
Saurashtra squad: Jaydev Unadkat (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Harvik Desai (wk), Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Jay Gohil, Chetan Sakariya, Ankur Panwar, Sammar Gajjar, Parth Bhut, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Hetvik Kotak, Neel Pandya, Arth Yadav and Tarang Gohel.
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