Ranji Trophy opens with Test stars back in state colours

A new red-ball season gets under way

The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy began on Sunday, October 11, with leading India Test players returning to their state teams. The Indian Express reported that opening-round games were under way at 18 venues across the country.

Yashasvi Jaiswal opened for Mumbai against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium, while KL Rahul played for Karnataka against Andhra at Mulapadu. Both were dismissed during the opening hour: Jaiswal without scoring after facing 13 balls, and Rahul for four runs. Those early dismissals are an opening-session update, rather than the final result of either match. Karnataka also lost four early wickets against Andhra.

India players join the domestic competition

In its season preview, The Times of India identified Washington Sundar among the players turning out for their states, with the all-rounder representing Tamil Nadu. It also listed Ravindra Jadeja for Saurashtra. Jaiswal, Rahul and Sundar are due to leave for an India A shadow tour of New Zealand.

The newspaper described this as the tournament’s 92nd edition. It reported that Arunachal Pradesh would miss the opening round, leaving 37 teams involved initially. Its preview linked the competition to a busy Test programme for India, with two matches in New Zealand and five at home against Australia over the following four months.

Domestic appearances remain part of the pathway

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told The Times of India that available India players who are not on national duty must participate in domestic tournaments. He said these appearances help established players maintain rhythm and give younger cricketers experience alongside them. The opening round brings that policy into focus as international players compete in state colours.