Jadeja named in Saurashtra squad for Ranji Trophy opener against Chhattisgarh

New Delhi, Oct 9 : Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been named in Saurashtra's squad for their opening match of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season against Chhattisgarh, with veteran left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat set to lead the side.

Saurashtra will begin their campaign at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on October 11.

Jadeja recently featured in India's 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies, claiming two wickets in two matches without getting an opportunity to bat. The Ranji Trophy will provide the left-arm spin all-rounder an opportunity to regain his red-ball rhythm ahead of India's two-Test tour of New Zealand next month.

The Test series will begin in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second match in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Saurashtra have retained 14 players from last season's squad, with pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav being the new additions. The former champions will aim to improve on their group-stage exit in the 2025-26 season.

Unadkat will spearhead the pace attack following an impressive stint with Sussex, where he 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.

Saurashtra, who won the Ranji Trophy under Unadkat's captaincy in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons, will also rely on left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya to strengthen their bowling attack.

Harvik Desai will take up wicketkeeping duties, while the batting line-up features experienced players Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil.

The departure of left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who will represent Chhattisgarh this season, places greater responsibility on Parth Bhut in the spin department.

Saurashtra are placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura.

Saurashtra squad: Jaydev Unadkat (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper), Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Jay Gohil, Chetan Sakariya, Ankur Panwar, Sammar Gajjar, Parth Bhut, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Hetvik Kotak, Neel Pandya, Arth Yadav and Tarang Gohel.