New Delhi: India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra in their opening fixture of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season against Chhattisgarh, while Jaydev Unadkat maintains his role as captain as the two-time champions aim for a fresh start.
The experienced left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has earned a spot in the 16-member squad following India's 2-1 ODI series triumph against the West Indies. Jadeja participated in two games, collecting two wickets without stepping up to bat, and now seeks crucial red-ball preparation ahead of India's upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand next month.
The opening Test in Wellington is slated for November 19 to 23, with the second encounter taking place in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. The 92nd season of India's premier domestic first-class tournament begins on October 11, placing Saurashtra in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tripura after an early exit from the competition last year.
Unadkat will captain the team following a strong run with Sussex, where the left-arm fast bowler picked up 28 wickets across seven matches at an average of 22.21. His performance featured a five-wicket haul against Hampshire alongside two four-wicket hauls, and he will lead Saurashtra's pace attack alongside Chetan Sakariya. Saurashtra, champions under Unadkat in 2019-20 and 2022-23, have kept 14 players from the previous season's roster, bringing in fast bowler Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav as new additions.
Harvik Desai handles wicketkeeping duties, while the batting order benefits from the veteran presence of Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, and Jay Gohil. However, the team must adapt to the exit of left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who has moved to represent Chhattisgarh for the current campaign.
Parth Bhut is expected to take on a major portion of the spin-bowling responsibilities as Saurashtra look to bounce back from their group-stage elimination in the 2025-26 season. Saurashtra will kick off their campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Saurashtra squad: Jaydev Unadkat (captain), 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, Neel Pandya, Arth Yadav, Tarang Gohel.