Rajkot, 09 October (H.S.): Experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been included in Saurashtra’s 16-member squad for their opening fixture of the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy season. Led by Jaydev Unadkat, Saurashtra will begin their campaign against Chhattisgarh on October 11.

Jadeja recently featured in India’s One-Day International series against the West Indies, which India won 2–1. He managed just two wickets across two matches and did not get an opportunity to bat. A return to the Ranji Trophy is expected to help him regain his rhythm in red-ball cricket ahead of India’s upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand.

India are scheduled to play the first Test in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Saurashtra Begin Their Campaign Against Chhattisgarh

The 92nd edition of the Ranji Trophy is scheduled to begin on October 11. Former champions Saurashtra have been placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura.

Saurashtra’s opening match against Chhattisgarh will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

Under Unadkat’s captaincy, Saurashtra won the Ranji Trophy in the 2019–20 and 2022–23 seasons. The team has retained 14 players from its previous season’s squad. However, Saurashtra were eliminated in the group stage of the 2025–26 edition and will be determined to deliver a stronger performance this time around.

Unadkat Returns After Impressive County Stint

Unadkat has returned from an impressive spell with Sussex in England, where he claimed 28 wickets in seven matches at an average of 22.21. His performances included a five-wicket haul, with figures of 5 for 32 against Hampshire. He also registered two four-wicket hauls.

His experience and recent form will be crucial to Saurashtra’s pace attack as the team seeks to make a strong start to the domestic season.

Two Players Earn Maiden Call-Ups

Saurashtra’s selection committee has handed maiden squad call-ups to fast bowler Neil Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav.

Harvik Desai will take on wicketkeeping duties, while experienced batters Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil are expected to strengthen the batting line-up.

Unadkat will lead the pace attack alongside left-arm fast bowler Chetan Sakariya. Experienced left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, meanwhile, will represent Chhattisgarh this season instead of Saurashtra. Following his departure, Parth Bhut is expected to shoulder additional responsibility in the spin department.

With Jadeja’s inclusion adding considerable experience to the squad, Saurashtra will look to combine their established performers with emerging talent in their bid to mount a stronger challenge for the title.

Saurashtra Squad for Ranji Trophy 2026–27

Jaydev Unadkat (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper), Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Jay Gohil, Chetan Sakariya, Ankur Panwar, Samarth Gajjar, Parth Bhut, Vishvaraj Jadeja, Hetvik Kotak, Neil Pandya, Arth Yadav and Tarang Gohel.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar