Maharashtra have introduced their 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, with Prithvi Shaw and Jalaj Saxena among the many new inclusions. Skilled batter Ankeet Bawane has been appointed because the full-time captain, main a robust mixture of youth and expertise because the crew goals for a deep run in India’s premier red-ball competitors.
Maharashtra’s marketing campaign to start on October 15
Positioned in Group B, Maharashtra will compete alongside Kerala, Saurashtra, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. Their first fixture shall be an away match in opposition to Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram from October 15 to 18, marking the beginning of what guarantees to be a tightly contested season.
Prithvi Shaw seems to be for contemporary begin after leaving Mumbai
Proper-handed batter Prithvi Shaw headlines the squad after making a high-profile transfer from Mumbai to Maharashtra earlier this yr. Shaw’s change comes after a difficult part in his profession, marked by inconsistent kind and exclusion from Mumbai’s red-ball setup. The 25-year-old will look to revive his home profession and push his case for a nationwide comeback with robust performances within the Ranji Trophy.
Shaw’s addition is anticipated to considerably increase Maharashtra’s prime order, which already options star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has beforehand captained the aspect and stays one of many crew’s key gamers.
Jalaj Saxena brings expertise and steadiness to Maharashtra squad
Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, who represented Kerala in final yr’s Ranji Trophy closing, additionally joins Maharashtra forward of the brand new season. Saxena, some of the constant performers in Indian home cricket, made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2005-06 earlier than transferring to Kerala in 2016-17.
Recognized for his off-spin and helpful batting decrease down the order, Saxena’s inclusion provides invaluable depth and steadiness to Maharashtra’s lineup. His expertise in essential matches shall be instrumental because the aspect seems to be to problem for prime honours in Group B.
Selectors go for expertise over youth
The Maharashtra selectors have chosen a mix of confirmed performers and younger expertise, backing seasoned gamers for stability. Pradeep Dadhe was most popular over promising pacer Rajvardhan Hangargekar, signalling a technique targeted on reliability.
The squad additionally contains Vicky Ostwal, Mukesh Choudhary, Hitesh Walunj and Rajneesh Gurbani, offering the crew with a robust bowling assault able to adapting to various circumstances. Saurabh Nawale and Mandar Bhandari will share wicketkeeping duties.
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Maharashtra’s 16-member squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Ankeet Bawane (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Arshin Kulkarni, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Mandar Bhandari (wk), Jalaj Saxena, Vicky Ostwal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Hitesh Walunj, Siddharth Mhatre, Harshal Kate, Rajneesh Gurbani
Additionally READ: Karnataka announces 15-member squad for the Ranji Trophy 2025; Karun Nair returns
