India’s Test and ODI captainShubman Gilland veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are set to feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 match between Punjab and Saurashtra, scheduled to begin on January 22 in Rajkot. Both the players are coming on the back of a series loss against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series with a scoreline of 1-2.
The inclusion of Gill and Jadeja adds significant experience to the fixture, with both players having been involved in India’s recent international assignments.
Gill enters the domestic contest after a consistent showing in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, where he registered scores of 56, 56, and 23. His return to the Ranji setup provides Punjab with a reliable top-order option as the side looks to strengthen its batting unit. He will also lead Punjab.
Jadeja, meanwhile, will be looking to regain rhythm with both bat and ball following a challenging run in limited-overs cricket. The 37-year-old all-rounder went wicketless while conceding 141 runs across 23 overs in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand; he contributed 43 runs with the bat across three matches with an average of 14.33. In the third ODI, he conceded 41 runs in six overs, whereas in the earlier two matches, he bowled nine and eight overs, respectively, without managing a dismissal.
The recent ODI series marked a lean phase for Jadeja in terms of wickets, with the left-arm spinner having picked up only one wicket in his last six ODIs for India. The Ranji Trophy fixture offers him an opportunity to spend time in the middle and fine-tune his game in longer-format conditions ahead of future international commitments.
The clash between Saurashtra and Punjab is expected to draw attention, given the presence of two senior Indian players on opposing sides. The Ranji season has entered a crucial phase, with both teams being keen to capitalise on the availability of international experience as they push for momentum in the premier red-ball tournament.
