Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Ranji Trophy Opens Search for Pacers and Dravid-Like Batsmen
India’s domestic Ranji Trophy season is starting at an important time for the national Test team.
Some experienced players are no longer part of the team, so selectors are looking for new people to fill important roles.
They want a dependable batter who can stay at the crease and make it harder for bowlers, like Rahul Dravid or Cheteshwar Pujara.
They are also looking for more fast bowlers, especially ones who can bowl at high speeds.
The article names several young batters and bowlers who could be watched.
It says there are many left-arm spin bowlers, but fewer options among other kinds of spinners.
Players could earn attention through their performances this season, though the article does not say who will be selected.
The Ranji Trophy season is presented as a chance to address India’s immediate Test needs and build a team for the next World Test Championship cycle.
Selectors are seeking a technically sound, resilient top-order batter in the mould of Rahul Dravid or Cheteshwar Pujara.
Danish Malewar, Shikhar Mohan and Ayush Doseja are among the young batters highlighted as possible future prospects.
The article says India’s supply of fast bowlers able to reach 140 kph or more is limited, drawing attention to prospects including D Deepesh, Gurjanpreet Singh, Yash Thakur and Mayank Yadav.
Left-arm spinners are plentiful, but the article describes a shallower pool of other spin types as India weighs options to fill Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence.
- Who
- Indian selectors and domestic players competing in the Ranji Trophy.
- What
- The season is expected to help identify Test batting, fast-bowling and spin-bowling options.
- When
- The season begins on Sunday; no calendar date is specified.
- Where
- Across the Ranji Trophy’s domestic cricket competition in India.
- Why
- India is looking to address immediate Test-team needs and develop players for the next World Test Championship cycle.
Immediate team needs
Long-term rebuilding
How selectors should use the season
Immediate team needs
The article says attention will be on addressing near-term needs, including the New Zealand tour and Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Long-term rebuilding
It also argues the season should help build a core capable of challenging in the next World Test Championship cycle and beyond.
Finding a successor at No. 3
Immediate team needs
A dependable, technically robust batter in the Rahul Dravid or Cheteshwar Pujara mould could provide stability.
Long-term rebuilding
The article notes that more attacking options such as Devdutt Padikkal offer a different approach, while Sai Sudharsan has shown resilience but is described as having technical flaws.
- Competition
- Ranji Trophy
- Season start
- Sunday; the article does not give a date
- Batting need
- A resilient, technically sound top-order batter in the mould of Rahul Dravid or Cheteshwar Pujara
- Pace benchmark
- The article singles out seamers able to bowl at 140 kph or faster
- Fast-bowling prospects named
- D Deepesh, Gurjanpreet Singh, Yash Thakur and Mayank Yadav
- Spin concern
- The article describes a plentiful supply of left-arm spinners but a thinner pool of other types
- Broader aim
- Balance immediate Test requirements with building a core for the next World Test Championship cycle