Cricket

Ranji Trophy 2026-27 all you need to know: Round 1 fixtures, groups, and key India players in action

October 10, 2026

The 2026–27 Ranji Trophy kicks off on October 11 with 38 teams battling for India’s top domestic First-Class title, though Arunachal Pradesh may forfeit their opener against Nagaland due to an unresolved dispute within their cricket association. The tournament’s first round features 19 matches nationwide, including high-profile clashes like Karnataka’s opener against Andhra, where KL Rahul will lead his side.

Several current Indian stars—including Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Mohammed Shami—will use the competition as a platform to sharpen their skills ahead of the upcoming Test series in New Zealand, where Rahul, Siraj, and Jaiswal are expected to play pivotal roles. Defending champions Jammu & Kashmir begin their campaign against Madhya Pradesh, while Delhi—now under new coaching leadership with Vijay Dahiya and Rajkumar Sharma—face Bengal in a match that could set the tone for their season.

Mumbai’s opener against Chandigarh at Wankhede Stadium will spotlight Jaiswal, who has been training as a wicketkeeper to secure a spot in India’s white-ball teams. The tournament is structured across four main groups and a Plate division, with 138 matches scheduled over two phases, interspersed with the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the one-day Vijay Hazare Trophy.