The Maharashtra Cricket Association has announced their squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26. The squad is a perfect blend of experienced players as well as fresh talent. The return of Jalaj Saxena made the headlines. He is making his return from Kerala after spending nine seasons there. His return will enhance depth and first-class experience in Maharashtra’s squad.
Other names include Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankeet Bawane, Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni, Mukesh Choudhary, Harshal Kate, and the young all-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh.
There is a rumor circulating of Prithvi Shaw making his Maharashtra debut in this season’s Ranji Trophy. This squad reflects Maharashtra’s ambition to compete strongly in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. They will have to survive the elite group stages and push into the knockout rounds to prove themselves.
Key Inclusions, Departures & Squad Balance
The signing of Jalaj Saxena surely made headlines. In his last season for Kelera, he was one of the top performers. His arrival will strengthen lower-order batting and spin options.
Kerala appointed Gaikwad as captain, which could prove crucial. Bawane will be controlling the middle order, and seamers like Mukesh Choudhary and Harshal Kate will handle pace support.
From the previous season, names like Siddhesh Veer, Pradeep Dadhe, Rajneesh Gurbani, and Prashant Solanki are likely to remain.
The addition of Ramakrishna Ghosh will add depth to the all-rounder department. He was one of the best players last season. In six first-class matches, he scored 313 runs at an average of 39.12 and picked up 11 wickets at 41.45. If he can maintain the form of the previous season, he will prove crucial in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign.
The core of the team looks the same, but some departures may occur to balance the team.
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Maharashtra: Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Squad
Source : ESPN Cricinfo | ||
No. | Player | Role / Primary Skill |
1 | Jalaj Saxena | All-rounder (off-spin + middle order) |
2 | Prithvi Shaw | Top-order batter |
3 | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Top-order batter / potential captain |
4 | Ankeet Bawane | Middle-order batter / wicketkeeper-batsman |
5 | Sachin Dhas | All-rounder / batting all-round option |
6 | Arshin Kulkarni | Top-order / middle-order batter |
7 | Mukesh Choudhary | Fast bowler |
8 | Harshal Kate | Fast bowler |
9 | Ramakrishna Ghosh | All-rounder (spin + lower order batting) |
10 | Siddhesh Veer | Wicketkeeper |
11 | Pradeep Dadhe | Middle-order batter |
12 | Rajneesh Gurbani | Left-arm spinner / bowling all-rounder |
13 | Prashant Solanki | Leg-spinner |
Amit Mishra’s Take
The Maharashtra Cricket Association has announced its squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26. The signing of all-rounder Jalaj Saxena stole the spotlight. The squad added several names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankeet Bawane, Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni, Mukesh Choudhary, Harshal Kate, and the young all-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh. Despite the new addition, the core of the team is the same as last season. With this squad, Maharashtra will be a scary contender for the Ranji Trophy 025-26.
The fixtures of Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 are very tight. Maharashtra’s goal will be to finish in the top two in order to qualify for the knockout games. The depth offered by Saxena and Bawane, along with the experience of Gaikwad, will prove crucial.
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