Ranji Trophy 2026 First Round: 5 players to watch out for

The 92nd edition of the Ranji Trophy is set to begin on October 11, 2026, with Round 1 running through to October 14. The first phase of the Elite Division will continue until November 5, 2026, covering 16 Elite Group fixtures and three Plate Group matches.

Several Test regulars have been included in their respective state squads under a BCCI directive to gain red-ball practice ahead of a two-Test series in New Zealand. Players featuring in Round 1 will subsequently join the India A squad for a shadow three-game red-ball tour of New Zealand, with the first multi-day fixture scheduled to begin in Lincoln on October 24, 2026.

Here are five players to watch out for in the first round of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27:

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is among the biggest names set to feature in the opening round of the Ranji Trophy. The experienced all-rounder has been named in Saurashtra’s squad for their clash against Chhattisgarh and will be keen to make the most of his time in the domestic circuit.

Jadeja has been a key figure in India’s Test setup, with his contributions as a left-arm spinner and lower-order batter making him a valuable asset in the longest format. His ability to extract turn, maintain pressure, and contribute crucial runs could prove important for Saurashtra in their season opener.

With India preparing for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, the fixture will also offer Jadeja an opportunity to build match rhythm. His experience of playing in different conditions could make a significant difference to Saurashtra’s campaign.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami will be another player to watch out for when Bengal take on Delhi in the first round. The experienced fast bowler has been included in Bengal’s squad alongside fellow pacers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar.

Shami will be aiming to deliver a strong performance in the domestic competition and strengthen his case for an India comeback. Known for his ability to generate seam movement and trouble batters with his accuracy, he remains a formidable prospect in red-ball cricket.

A productive outing against Delhi could help Shami build confidence and demonstrate his match readiness. With Bengal possessing a strong pace attack, his performance will be closely watched as the new Ranji Trophy season gets underway.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will turn out for Karnataka in their opening-round clash against Andhra in Vijayawada on October 11. The experienced batter is among the prominent India players expected to feature in domestic cricket before joining the India A setup for the New Zealand shadow tour.

Rahul’s experience at the international level makes him an important addition to Karnataka’s batting line-up. He will be looking to spend valuable time in the middle and fine-tune his technique ahead of the upcoming red-ball assignments.

The Karnataka squad also features experienced batters Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair, while Prasidh Krishna adds strength to the bowling attack. Rahul’s performance against Andhra will be worth following as he looks to build momentum ahead of the international schedule.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to represent Mumbai in their opening-round fixture against Chandigarh. The left-handed opener has established himself as an important part of India’s Test batting line-up and will be looking to make the most of the opportunity to play domestic red-ball cricket.

Jaiswal’s aggressive approach at the top of the order, combined with his ability to bat for long periods, makes him an exciting player to watch in the Ranji Trophy. The Mumbai batter will be keen to spend time at the crease and maintain his rhythm before joining the India A squad.

The upcoming domestic assignment will provide Jaiswal with another opportunity to sharpen his game in the longer format. His performance against Chandigarh could offer an early indication of his form heading into the New Zealand tour.

Auqib Nabi

Auqib Nabi is another player who will attract attention during the opening round of the Ranji Trophy. The 29-year-old pacer claimed 60 wickets last season as Jammu and Kashmir went on to win the title, establishing himself as one of the standout performers in the competition.

Nabi’s impressive wicket-taking record has put him firmly in the spotlight, and the upcoming season offers him another opportunity to showcase his abilities. His success with the ball last year demonstrated his ability to deliver consistently in domestic red-ball cricket.

The pacer is expected to feature in the season opener before departing for New Zealand on India A duty. A strong performance in the opening round could further boost his confidence and help him make a case for greater opportunities on the international stage.