India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is likely to feature in Saurashtra’s next Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, starting October 25 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.
Currently not part of India’s ODI squad touring Australia, Jadeja has made himself available for Saurashtra’s second-round Ranji game. The move comes as the experienced all-rounder looks to stay match-fit before India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa next month. A Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) official confirmed, “He is expected to play in the next match.”
The 36-year-old, ranked as the No. 1 Test all-rounder in the world, last played a Ranji Trophy game against Assam last season. He featured in two matches that year and delivered a brilliant performance against Delhi, scoring 38 runs, taking five wickets for 66 in one innings and seven for 38 in the next, earning the Player of the Match award.
Across 47 Ranji Trophy appearances for Saurashtra, Jadeja has scored 3,456 runs at an average of 57.60 and taken 208 wickets at 21.25, proving how important he has been in domestic cricket.
Jadeja’s return to the Ranji side comes after being left out of the ODI squad for the Australia tour, with Axar Patel chosen ahead of him as the spin-bowling all-rounder. The BCCI selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, went for a balanced squad keeping the Australian conditions in mind.
Having recently won the Player of the Series award in the Test series against the West Indies, Jadeja now wants to regain rhythm in red-ball cricket before the South Africa Tests.
Saurashtra began their Ranji Trophy campaign well, gaining a small first-innings lead against Karnataka in their opening match. Left-arm spinner Dharmendra Jadeja was the star performer with a 10-wicket haul, including 7 for 124 in the first innings. Led by Jaydev Unadkat, Saurashtra will look to continue their good form at home against Madhya Pradesh, with Ravindra Jadeja’s return adding strength to the side.
It will be a special sight for fans in Rajkot to see Jadeja back in Saurashtra colours. His experience and energy will not only strengthen the side but also motivate the younger players.
Saurashtra squad
Harvik Desai (wk), Tarang Gohel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya, Sammar Gajjar, Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Jaydev Unadkat (c), Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Chetan Sakariya, Ansh Gosai, Jay Gohil, Parth Bhut, Kevin Jivrajani, Hetvik Kotak and Ankur Panwar.
Will Jadeja Play 2027 World Cup?
Even though he isn’t part of the ODI series in Australia, Jadeja hasn’t given up on his white-ball ambitions. The all-rounder said he still has the hunger to perform and dreams of playing the 2027 World Cup for India. He believes that strong performances in domestic and Test cricket will help him stay in the frame for selection.
His comeback to the Ranji Trophy is another sign that he’s not finished yet. Jadeja wants to stay sharp, keep proving himself, and continue chasing his goal of representing India at the 2027 World Cup.
Written By:- Manjunath S