Sports · Cricket · 14 hrs ago
Kerala opens Ranji Trophy season against Jharkhand in Jamshedpur
Kerala opens its 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Jharkhand on Sunday at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur.
The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier domestic red-ball cricket competition.
Kerala reached the final in 2024-25 but finished fifth in its group last season.
The team has a new coach, Swapnil Asnodkar, and captain, Vishnu Vinod.
Experienced spinners Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate have returned, while offspinner Vaisakh Chandran is also being watched after an injury-hit period.
Jharkhand reached the quarterfinals last season, but will be without Kumar Kushagra and Anukul Roy for this match.
The opener gives Kerala an early chance to show whether it can improve on last season’s result.
Kerala opens its 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Jharkhand at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur on Sunday.
The team begins the season under captain Vishnu Vinod and coach Swapnil Asnodkar.
Kerala finished fifth in its group last season after reaching the final in 2024-25.
Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate have returned to strengthen Kerala’s bowling attack.
Jharkhand reached the quarterfinals last season but will be without Kumar Kushagra and Anukul Roy.
- Who
- Kerala and Jharkhand will play in the season opener.
- What
- A Ranji Trophy match opens Kerala’s 2026-27 campaign.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur.
- Why
- Kerala is beginning its new Ranji Trophy campaign after finishing fifth in its group last season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
New season, new start
The pitch looks dry and may assist turn on Days 3 and 4, which is where Kerala’s experience comes in. We are banking on our two veterans, Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate.
He seems to have found his mojo. On red-soil wickets, he will be a handful
This season gives me the perfect opportunity to showcase my form and skill.
Vaisakh Chandran made his Ranji debut against Jharkhand and took five wickets in the second innings.
Kerala reached the Ranji Trophy final.
Kerala finished fifth in a group of eight, while Jharkhand reached the quarterfinals.
Kerala opens its new campaign against Jharkhand at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur.
- Venue
- Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur
- Kerala captain
- Vishnu Vinod
- Kerala coach
- Swapnil Asnodkar
- Kerala’s previous group finish
- Fifth in a group of eight
- Jharkhand’s previous finish
- Quarterfinals
Sources
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