Ravindra Jadeja will turn out for Saurashtra in their opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat continuing as captain as the two-time champions look to bounce back from an early exit last season.The India all-rounder has been named in Saurashtra’s 16-member squad following India’s 2-1 ODI series win over the West Indies. Jadeja played two matches in the series, taking two wickets without getting an opportunity to bat.The left-arm spinner will look to get some valuable red-ball practice ahead of India’s two-Test tour of New Zealand next month. The first Test is scheduled to be played in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.The 92nd edition of India’s premier domestic first-class competition begins on October 11. Saurashtra have been placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura. The team exited the tournament in the early stages last season and will look to make a stronger run this time.Unadkat will lead the side after taking 28 wickets in seven matches for Sussex at an average of 22.21. His tally included a five-wicket haul of 5/32 against Hampshire and two four-wicket hauls. He will lead Saurashtra’s pace attack alongside Chetan Sakariya.Saurashtra won the Ranji Trophy under Unadkat in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons. They have retained 14 players from last season’s squad, with pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav the new additions.Harvik Desai will take the wicketkeeping duties, while Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil will bring experience to the batting line-up.Saurashtra will be without left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who has moved to Chhattisgarh for the upcoming season. Parth Bhut is expected to take on a major share of the spin-bowling responsibilities as Saurashtra aim to improve on last season’s group-stage exit.Saurashtra will begin their campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.Saurashtra squad: Jaydev Unadkat (captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Harvik Desai (wk), Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad, Jay Gohil, Chetan Sakariya, Ankur Panwar, Sammar Gajjar, Parth Bhut, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Hetvik Kotak, Neel Pandya, Arth Yadav, Tarang Gohel.
