The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy is set to begin on October 11, 2026, kicking of India’s domestic season for yet another cycle. This would give Indian domestic cricketers a fresh opportunity to press their case for higher honours.
Several players enter the season with momentum from recent outings and will be eager to build on that.
Three players in particular have clear reasons to make the most of the upcoming domestic campaign. A strong showing in the Ranji Trophy could go a long way in shaping their immediate futures.
3. Shivang Kumar
Shivang Kumar is a 24-year-old left-arm wrist spinner born on May 26, 2002. He was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad at his base price of ₹30 lakh for IPL 2026 and went on to take five wickets in six matches at an economy of 8.9. Batters found it difficult to read him, and he featured in the playing XI in at least one match, including the game against Chennai Super Kings. He was described as a revelation during the tournament.
Shivang has also been part of India A squads and travelled with the senior India side on their Test tour to Sri Lanka in a net bowling capacity. With India seeking more options in their spin attack beyond their established names, a productive Ranji Trophy campaign could push Shivang closer to a senior call-up.
2. Mukesh Choudhary
Mukesh Choudhary is a 30-year-old left-arm medium pacer from Maharashtra who made his first-class debut for the state in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy on November 9, 2017. He has taken 60 wickets in 17 first-class matches at an average of 29.60. In IPL 2026, he was brought in by Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for Khaleel Ahmed, who was ruled out with an injury.
More recently, Mukesh took 5 for 78 in the first innings for Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup, underlining his continued ability to perform at a high level. A consistent run in the Ranji Trophy for Maharashtra could strengthen his case for a return to the national reckoning.
1. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan is a batter from Mumbai who was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2026. In five matches during the tournament, he scored 147 runs at a strike rate of 171, having been acquired at his base price of ₹75 lakh. He is regarded as one of the most prolific batters in Indian domestic cricket and has shown a strong ability to handle spin. He averages 63.69 in first class cricket and has been one of the regular run scorers in India’s domestic game.
Sarfaraz, who has played six Test matches, has seen his position in the India Test setup has become less certain of late, though he was recently named in the senior squad as a replacement for an injured Sai Sudharsan. A big Ranji Trophy season with Mumbai could help him reclaim a regular spot in the Test side.