Ravindra Jadeja has started the Ranji Trophy race ahead of India’s Test series in New Zealand

Ravindra Jadeja will start for Saurashtra in their opening game of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat continuing to captain as the two-time champions look to bounce back from last season’s early exit.The Indian all-rounder was named in the 16-member Saurashtra squad following India’s 2-1 ODI series win over the West Indies. Jadeja played two matches in the series, taking two wickets without getting a chance to bat.The left-arm spinner will be looking to get some valuable practice with the red ball ahead of India’s two-Test tour of New Zealand next month. The first Test is to be played in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.The 92nd edition of India’s premier domestic first-class competition begins on 11 October. Saurashtra was placed in the elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura. The team exited the tournament in the early stages of last season and will look to make a stronger run this time around.Unadkat will lead the side after taking 28 wickets in seven matches for Sussex at an average of 22.21. His tally included five-wicket hauls of 5/32 against Hampshire and two four-wicket hauls. He will lead Saurashtra’s pace attack alongside Chetan Sakariya.Saurashtra won the Ranji Trophy under Unadkat in the 2019–20 and 2022–23 seasons. They retained 14 players from last season’s squad, with pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav as new additions.Harvik Desai will take charge of the midfield while Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil will bring experience to the batting line-up.Saurashtra will be without left-armer Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who has moved to Chhattisgarh for the upcoming season. Parth Bhut is expected to shoulder the brunt of the spin-bowling responsibility as Saurashtra look to improve on last season’s group stage exit.Saurashtra will begin their campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.Saurashtra team: Jaydev Unadkat (capt), Ravindra Jadeja, Harvik Desai (wk), Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Jay Gohil, Chetan Sakariya, Ankur Panwar, Sammar Gajjar, Parth Bhut, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Hetvik Kotak, Yadav Pandya, Arth.