From Ravindra Jadeja’s century to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s duck: How India’s stars fared in Ranji Trophy

India’s Ravindra Jadeja, right, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (AP Photo) The BCCI’s decision to make participation in domestic cricket mandatory for its players has brought several of India’s biggest names back into the Ranji Trophy spotlight. Last season saw Virat Kohli return to the red-ball team in Delhi for the first time in 13 years, while Rohit Sharma returned to Mumbai after almost a decade.This trend has continued this season as well, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja representing their respective state teams. With the opening round of matches now complete, the performances of some of India’s established internationals have offered a glimpse of where they stand ahead of the tasks ahead.

KL Rahul: A rare failure by the Karnataka batter

After amassing 470 runs in four matches for Karnataka last season, Rahul suffered a disappointing start to the new campaign. In the game against Andhra Pradesh, the opener managed just four runs in the first innings and one in the second.The twin setbacks came after Rahul scored an ODI century against the West Indies, so his early Ranji matches came as a surprise. His decision to play domestic cricket could also help him prepare for India’s upcoming red-ball assignment in New Zealand, where windy conditions and a swinging ball are expected to pose a challenge.Rahul’s next outing will be in three red-ball matches starting October 24 in Lincoln, before the two-Test series.

Ravindra Jadeja: A hundred provides timely support

Jadeja made the most of his opportunity with the bat for Saurashtra, registering his 16th first-class century with a score of 102. The all-rounder has not batted in a match since August 23 and also missed opportunities during India’s two ODIs against the West Indies.While the days of Jadeja hitting three triple centuries in 2011-12 are long gone, his latest hundred underlined that his appetite for big scores remains intact.His recent series in Sri Lanka was relatively quiet with the bat, producing scores of 43, 13 and nine despite taking eight wickets. With Jadeja expected to be part of India’s playing XI when the New Zealand Tests begin on November 19, a century could provide a valuable confidence boost.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Pressure builds after another setback

Jaiswal’s preparation for the domestic season attracted attention even before the first ball when the Indian opener took wicket practice. However, his start in the opening round proved short as he was dismissed for a 13-ball duck against Chandigarh in Mumbai’s innings.The left-hander endured a mixed season despite scoring two centuries in his last three ODIs. He was left out of the playing XI in the format, while his scores against Sri Lanka in August, 0, 32 and 45, offered little encouragement.Considered one of India’s brightest prospects, the batsman has had a tough recent run. However, Jaiswal is expected to feature in the Indian XI for the tour of New Zealand, which will be his first visit to the country with the national team. A reproduction of the form he showed in England last year could prove crucial for India’s strong start.

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Mohammed Siraj: Hyderabad pacer trying to build rhythm

Siraj’s place in India’s ODI plans is no longer assured, while managing the workload in Test cricket makes his opportunities in the format difficult to predict.The Hyderabad pacer proved his side against Tripura, bowling nine overs in each innings. After failing to take a wicket in the first innings, he bounced back with figures of 2/19 in the second as Hyderabad dominated the opposition batting.It was a sensible outing for Siraj, although more skips in the build-up to the New Zealand Tests could help him find more rhythm and confidence.

Mohammed Shami: Strong performance keeps India’s hopes alive

Shami continued his argument with an impressive display for Bengal against Delhi in Kalyani. The fast bowler took 4/30 in the first innings to help bowl Delhi out for 240 before Bengal built a 229-run lead that proved crucial to the result.He was again effective in the second innings, taking 1/29 from 18 overs as Bengal secured a comprehensive victory.Shami has not represented India for more than a year with his latest appearance at Champions Trophy 2025 and whether his domestic performances will earn him another national call-up remains uncertain. However, his latest performance once again raised the question of what more the veteran pacer needs to do to get back into contention.