Daijiworld Media Network - Rajkot
Rajkot, Oct 9: Veteran left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been included in Saurashtra’s 16-member squad for their opening match of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 against Chhattisgarh, with experienced fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat continuing as captain.
Jadeja recently featured in India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies, taking two wickets in two matches without getting an opportunity to bat.
His participation in the Ranji Trophy is expected to help him regain his rhythm in red-ball cricket ahead of India’s two-match Test tour of New Zealand. The Tests are scheduled to be played in Wellington from November 19 to 23 and in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
The 92nd edition of the prestigious domestic red-ball tournament begins on October 11, with former champions Saurashtra placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura.
The Unadkat-led side will begin its campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Saurashtra, who won the title twice under Unadkat’s leadership in 2019-20 and 2022-23, have retained 14 players from last season’s squad.
Unadkat comes into the tournament after an impressive stint with Sussex, where he claimed 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 endured an early exit in the group stage of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy and will be looking for a stronger campaign this season.
The selection committee has included two new faces in the squad — pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav. Harvik Desai will continue as wicketkeeper, while the batting line-up will feature experienced players Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil.
Unadkat will lead the pace attack alongside left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya. However, experienced left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja has moved out of the Saurashtra side and will represent Chhattisgarh this season, leaving Parth Bhut with greater responsibility in the spin department.
Saurashtra squad: Jaydev Unadkat (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper), 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.