Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Pant’s Possible Return, New Talents Emerge, and Veterans Fight for Relevance
BENGALURU: The 91st edition of the Ranji Trophy, starting across India on Wednesday, promises an intriguing mix of narratives — the much-anticipated return of Rishabh Pant, the rise of promising youngsters, and seasoned veterans striving to remain relevant.
Pant’s possible comeback in the second round has emerged as the key storyline of the tournament’s opening phase, which otherwise lacks immediate significance given India’s packed white-ball schedule and the absence of major Test fixtures after the home series against South Africa next month.
The star wicketkeeper-batter has been sidelined since July after sustaining a toe fracture from a Chris Woakes delivery during India’s tour of England. His rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) is progressing well.
While Pant’s name is absent from Delhi’s 24-member squad for their opening match against Hyderabad, he could feature in the second round against Himachal Pradesh (October 25) or the third round versus Puducherry (November 1), subject to fitness clearance. A few Ranji outings would offer him crucial match practice ahead of the South Africa Test series starting November 14.
Beyond Pant, however, few players can realistically eye an India call-up through this Ranji season, given the crowded international calendar and the settled nature of the national squad. India are unlikely to tweak their core Test group before the crucial series against South Africa, with valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake.
According to the current Future Tours Programme, India’s next Test assignment after November will only come in late 2026 — leaving domestic players largely chasing pride and legacy this season.
Mumbai, the 42-time champions, will begin as favourites to add yet another title to their glittering cabinet. Defending champions Vidarbha, last year’s runners-up Kerala, and strong contenders like Saurashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka will all look to script memorable campaigns.
New Faces on the Rise
The upcoming season will also spotlight several young prospects eager to make their mark. Among the batters to watch are R. Smaran (Karnataka), Andre Siddarth (Tamil Nadu), Yash Dhull and Priyansh Arya (Delhi), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar), Ayush Mhatre (Mumbai), and Danish Malewar (Vidarbha).
In the bowling department, names like Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha), Edhen Apple Tom (Kerala), Manav Suthar (Rajasthan), and Gurjapneet Singh (Tamil Nadu) stand out as exciting talents looking to build on promising starts to their careers.
Veterans Seeking Redemption
A handful of players once tipped for long India careers will also look to reignite their prospects. Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Rajat Patidar have all faded from the selectors’ radar but remain capable of staging comebacks with strong domestic performances.
Their motivation could come from stories like that of Karun Nair, who earned a Test recall after stellar seasons with Vidarbha and has now rejoined Karnataka, or Narayan Jagadeesan, the Tamil Nadu stalwart who replaced Pant as an injury substitute on India’s England tour earlier this year.
Last Roar for the Old Guard
Mohammed Shami, once a spearhead of India’s pace attack, will also feature this season. The 35-year-old last played a Test in the 2023 WTC final against Australia and a white-ball match in the 2024 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
Hanuma Vihari, now representing Tripura, also hopes to revive his fading career, while 37-year-old Ajinkya Rahane, a domestic legend, will aim for one last hurrah — perhaps guiding Mumbai to another Ranji crown as a fitting farewell.
Tournament Structure
The Elite division will comprise 32 teams divided into Groups A, B, C, and D, while six sides will compete in the Plate Group.
The first phase runs from October 15–18 to November 16–19, after which teams will break for the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The second phase resumes on January 22, 2026, culminating with the final beginning February 24, 2026.
With Pant’s potential return, the emergence of new names, and seasoned campaigners eyeing one last shot at glory, the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 promises a compelling blend of ambition, pride, and redemption — a true reflection of Indian cricket’s enduring depth.
