Ranji Trophy returns with Jaiswal, Rahul, Jadeja in action as India’s Test stars turn to domestic cricket

The Ranji Trophy, India's most esteemed red-ball cricket tournament, is set to resume its 92nd edition on Sunday. This year, the tournament will feature 37 teams, with Arunachal Pradesh absent from the first round, pushing the count to 38 teams in the subsequent round. The season will witness the participation of several star players who have recently returned from international assignments.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Washington Sundar will represent Mumbai, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu respectively in the inaugural round. Jaiswal, Rahul, and Sundar are scheduled to depart soon for the India 'A' shadow tour of New Zealand. Veteran allrounder Ravindra Jadeja, who is also part of the national team, will add to the star-studded lineup by representing Saurashtra.

The Ranji Trophy holds significant importance for domestic players as they vie for a spot in the national team. Recent performances in the tournament have led to various players receiving calls from the national team. Notably, Jammu & Kashmir's swing bowler Auqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in 10 matches last season, has been included in the India squad. Other players who have benefited from their domestic achievements include Manav Suthar, Devdutt Padikkal, off-spinner Saransh Jain, and Karnataka batter Ravichandran Smaran.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the Ranji Trophy's central role in India's talent pathway. "The Ranji Trophy is the premier domestic cricket tournament in India," Saikia told TOI. "All players who aspire to mark their presence nationally and internationally must take this tournament seriously, as all eyes are on their performances here."

Saikia reiterated the BCCI's policy that all available India players, barring those on national duty, must participate in the Ranji Trophy or other domestic tournaments. This requirement ensures that senior players remain in top form and provides young players with the invaluable experience of playing alongside the senior team members.