3 experienced bowlers who impressed in Round 1 of Ranji Trophy

The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, the 92nd edition of the tournament, got underway on October 11 with 38 teams competing across 19 opening-round matches. The Elite Group featured 16 matches while the Plate Group had three, spread across venues throughout the country.

Round 1 ran from October 11 to 14, 2026, and brought several senior players back into domestic red-ball cricket. Among those who caught the eye were three experienced bowlers who produced notable performances for their respective sides.

Here are 3 experienced bowlers who impressed in Ranji Trophy’s Round 1:

3. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami returned to competitive cricket with Bengal in Round 1, playing against Delhi at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani. His performance in the first innings was the standout bowling display of the match, as he dismissed Delhi for 240 by taking 4 wickets for 30 runs in 17.3 overs.

The figures underlined his ability to trouble top-order batters even after a period away from the game. Shami also chipped in with 1 wicket for 29 runs in the second innings, showing he could sustain his effort across both innings. His appearance in the Ranji Trophy was seen as an opportunity to strengthen his case for a return to the India setup, making his Round 1 showing all the more significant for selectors watching closely.

2. Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav, who moved from Vidarbha to Punjab ahead of this season, featured in Punjab’s Round 1 match against Assam in New Chandigarh. Play on Day 1 was affected by bad light and rain, but Yadav still made an impression early, having taken 2 wickets for 18 runs at stumps. He went on to finish the first innings with figures of 5 wickets for 70 runs in 24 overs, a strong return for a bowler who had been absent from first-class cricket for approximately two years.

His new role with Punjab also carried a mentorship dimension for the younger players in the side. The five-wicket haul confirmed that Yadav retained the ability to be a match-winning force at domestic level despite the extended break from red-ball cricket.

1. Lalith Mohan

Veteran left-arm spinner Lalith Mohan was a key figure for Andhra in their Round 1 match against Karnataka in Vijayawada. Karnataka found themselves in early trouble during their innings, slipping to 9 wickets down for 3 runs at one stage, with KL Rahul falling for just four runs. Lalith Mohan finished the first innings with figures of 5 wickets for 117 runs in 33 overs, a haul that reflected his ability to extract turn and maintain pressure over a long spell.

His performance was a reminder of the value experienced spinners bring to home conditions, particularly on pitches that offer assistance to slow bowlers. Andhra will look to Lalith Mohan to continue in the same vein as the tournament progresses through its later rounds.