Several prominent Indian cricketers will participate in the next phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, aiming to regain form and contribute to their respective state teams. In the wake of India’s recent setbacks in Test cricket, including a 3-0 home series defeat to New Zealand and a 3-1 defeat in Australia, which ended their decade-long dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, some big names are returning to Ranji Trophy to regain form and confidence.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also encouraged players to take part in domestic cricket to address their technical issues and show their commitment to the longer format. Notably, five prominent Indian players will feature in the upcoming Ranji matches. Let’s take a look at who they are.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is scheduled to play for his state side Punjab in their next match against Karnataka in Bengaluru. Gill’s return to domestic cricket comes after a challenging Test series in Australia, where he amassed 93 runs in five innings.
His participation in the Ranji Trophy is seen as an opportunity to rediscover his batting pace and make a compelling case for his inclusion in the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, which begins on June 20.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who emerged as India’s top scorer in the recent five-Test series against Australia, will strengthen Mumbai’s batting line-up in their home match against Jammu and Kashmir. The youngster amassed 391 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, including one century and three fifties.
Jaiswal’s decision to participate in the Ranji Trophy shows his commitment to maintaining form and consistency. His performance will be closely monitored, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, where he is anticipated to be a crucial asset to the national team.
Rohit Sharma
India captain Rohit Sharma makes a significant Ranji Trophy return with Mumbai, nine years after his last appearance in the tournament. After a period of disappointing performances, including his dismissal as captain for the final Test in Australia, Sharma aims to use the domestic platform to regain his form.
His experience and leadership are expected to be invaluable for Mumbai as they navigate the remaining Group A matches. More importantly, this also gives Rohit a chance to fine-tune his technique and return to his best in red-ball cricket.
RISHABH PANTS
Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will once again don the Delhi jersey during their Group D match against Saurashtra, marking his return to the Ranji Trophy after several years. Pant’s aggressive batting style has been a hallmark of his international career, and his inclusion is set to strengthen Delhi’s middle-order.
This season in domestic cricket offers Pant a platform to hone his skills and regain his composure ahead of India’s upcoming international engagements.
Ravindra Jadeja
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is all set to represent Saurashtra in their upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. With an impressive first-class record of 542 wickets at an average of 23.88 and 7,466 runs, including 13 centuries and 39 fifties, Jadeja’s participation is expected to significantly boost Saurashtra’s prospects in the tournament.
Jadeja has performed quite well in Test cricket of late and this opportunity will give him a chance to keep him match-ready.