N. Jagadeesan has been named captain of Tamil Nadu for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. The wicketkeeper-batter, known for his consistency in domestic cricket, will now lead the side in India’s premier first-class competition. He received his maiden India call-up when he was part of the squad for the fifth Test against England following Rishabh Pant’s injury.
How has Narayan Jagadeesan been performing?
Jagadeesan had earned his maiden India call-up for his prolific performances in the Ranji Trophy over the past two seasons. During the period, he had racked up 1490 runs in 26 innings at an average of nearly 65. Karun Nair is the only one to have scored more runs in the same period, with 1533 runs, but he had also played 7 more innings than Jagadessan.
He enjoyed his best season in 2023/24, racking up 816 runs in nine games at an average of 74.18. His most recent knock was 197 and 52* for South Zone against North Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-finals. His performances in the Duleep Trophy have earned him a place in the India A squad for the Australia A series in Lucknow, later this month.
Tamil Nadu Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025/26
R. Sai Kishore, who led TN in the last two years, is not named in the 16-member squad as he is currently recovering from a finger injury and could miss the first two games. It is in his absence that Jagadeesan has been named skipper of the Tamil Nadu squad. Kishore is expected to resume bowling soon; however, his management remains cautious about his recovery and will not rush him until he has fully recovered.
B. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar would also be added to the team if they don’t have any national commitments. The head coach, M. Senthilnathan, has named a squad that features a good mix of young players and experienced seniors. He has given off-spinner J. Hemchudesan, left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth, keeper-batter G. Ajitesh, and all-rounder R.S. Ambrish their maiden Ranji Trophy call-up.
TN Squad: N. Jagadeesan (Capt., wk), Pradosh Ranjan Paul (Vice-capt.), B. Indrajith, M. Shahrukh Khan, R. Vimal Khumar, B. Sachin, C. Andre Siddarth, R.S. Ambrish, P. Vidyuth, D.T. Chandrasekar, Sandeep Warrier, Gurjapneet Singh, C.V. Achyuth, H. Trilok Nag, J. Hemchudesan, G. Ajitesh (wk).
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
