Rishabh Pant Nears Comeback as Ranji Trophy Begins with High Hopes
Ranji Trophy begins with big comebacks and fresh talent.
The stage is set for the 91st edition of the Ranji Trophy as it gets underway across India on Wednesday, promising a mix of high drama and intense competition. All eyes will be on Rishabh Pant, whose potential return from injury could be the biggest talking point in the early rounds. Having been sidelined since fracturing his toe in July during a match in Manchester, the wicketkeeper-batter has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. While he will miss Delhi’s opener against Hyderabad, the second round clash against Himachal Pradesh or the third round against Puducherry could mark his much-anticipated comeback, offering him vital game time ahead of India’s Test series against South Africa next month.
Beyond Pant’s comeback, the Ranji Trophy this season is a battleground for promising new talents and seasoned veterans seeking redemption. Bright prospects such as R Smaran (Karnataka), Andre Siddarth (Tamil Nadu), Yash Dhull (Delhi), and Harsh Dubey (Vidarbha) are poised to make a mark, while big names like Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will be determined to reclaim their positions in the national reckoning. Stories of resilience, like Karun Nair’s return to Karnataka from Vidarbha and Narayan Jagadeesan’s recent call-up as Pant’s replacement, add depth to the season’s narrative.
Veteran warriors too are gearing up for one last roar. Mohammed Shami, missing from the national setup since the 2023 WTC final, will be keen to prove he still has fire left in his bowling. Hanuma Vihari aims for a comeback from domestic obscurity, while Ajinkya Rahane, at 37, eyes a final flourish with Mumbai — perhaps capped with another Ranji title to crown his illustrious career.
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The format remains expansive, with 32 teams split across four elite groups and six teams in the Plate group. The first phase runs from October 15 to November 19, before giving way to the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Ranji second phase resumes on January 22, 2026, culminating in the grand finale starting February 24. With pride, legacy, and careers on the line, the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy promises to be more than just another domestic season — it’s a battleground of comebacks, breakthroughs, and farewells.
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