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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: New-look Punjab starts campaign against Assam

Punjab enters the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign with a fresh approach, hosting Assam in Group B at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. The team, led by 22-year-old captain Uday Saharan since midway through last season, has overhauled its squad with a focus on youth, including debutants like Vihaan Malhotra and Emanjot Singh Chahal, who impressed at the Under-23 level.

International commitments have sidelined key players Prabhsimran Singh and Naman Dhir, creating opportunities for young talents like Harnoor Singh Pannu, who showed promise with a 170 against Kerala last season. Punjab’s pace attack, featuring Umesh Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, remains a strong suit, while experienced IPL stars Ramandeep Singh and Salil Arora add depth to the lineup.

Assam, meanwhile, starts with its core intact, though top scorer Sibsankar Das is the only batter to clear 400 runs last season. The absence of Rahul Singh, their leading wicket-taker, shifts pressure onto Mukhtar Hussain, who must improve after a disappointing 2025 campaign to keep Assam competitive in the Plate division threat zone.

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