Rajkot, Oct 10:
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been included in Saurashtra’s 16-member squad for their opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat continuing as captain.
Jadeja’s inclusion comes after India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies. He featured in two matches in the series, taking two wickets without getting an opportunity to bat. The veteran left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder is expected to gain valuable red-ball match practice ahead of India’s two-Test tour of New Zealand next month.
The Wellington Test is scheduled from November 19 to 23, followed by the second Test in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.
The 92nd edition of the Ranji Trophy begins on October 11. Saurashtra, two-time champions, have been drawn in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura. The team will open its campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Unadkat will lead the side after an impressive stint with Sussex, where the left-arm pacer claimed 28 wickets in seven matches at an average of 22.21. His performance included a five-wicket haul of 5/32 against Hampshire and two four-wicket hauls. He will spearhead Saurashtra’s pace attack alongside Chetan Sakariya.
Saurashtra have retained 14 players from their previous squad, with pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav the new additions. Harvik Desai will keep wickets, while Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil provide experience in the batting line-up.
The side will have to adjust to the departure of left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who will represent Chhattisgarh this season. Parth Bhut is expected to shoulder a significant share of the spin-bowling responsibilities as Saurashtra look to improve on their group-stage exit last season.