Maharashtra has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season Prithvi Shaw And Jalaj Saxena Among the new inclusions. experienced batsman Ankit Bawne has been appointed as the full-time captain, bringing a strong mix of youth and experience as the team aims to make a deep run in India’s premier red-ball competition.
Maharashtra’s campaign will start from October 15
Maharashtra, placed in Group B, will compete with Kerala, Saurashtra, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. Their first match will be a match against Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram from 15 to 18 October, marking the beginning of a tightly contested season.
Prithvi Shaw is looking for a fresh start after leaving Mumbai
right handed batsman Prithvi Shaw The team has been in the news after making a high-profile move from Mumbai to Maharashtra earlier this year. Shaw’s switch comes after a challenging phase in his career, marked by inconsistent form and exclusion from Mumbai’s red-ball setup. The 25-year-old will be looking to revive his domestic career and stake his claim for a national comeback with a strong performance in the Ranji Trophy.
Shaw’s inclusion is expected to be a major boost to Maharashtra’s top order, which already includes star batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has captained the side before and remains one of the key players in the team.
Jalaj Saxena brings experience and balance to Maharashtra team
Experienced all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, who represented Kerala in the Ranji Trophy final last year, has also joined Maharashtra ahead of the new season. One of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic cricket, Saxena made his first-class debut for Madhya Pradesh in 2005–06, before moving to Kerala in 2016–17.
Known for his off-spin and easy batting lower down the order, Saxena’s inclusion adds valuable depth and balance to Maharashtra’s lineup. His experience in crucial matches will be vital as the team looks to challenge for top honors in Group B.
Selectors prefer experience over youth
Maharashtra selectors have chosen a mix of proven performers and young talent while favoring experienced players for stability. Pradeep Dadhe was given preference over promising fast bowler Rajvardhan Hungerkar, indicating a strategy focused on reliability.
The squad also includes Vicky OstwalMukesh Chaudhary, Hitesh Walunj and Rajneesh Gurbani provide the team with a strong bowling attack that is capable of adapting to different conditions. Saurabh Navale and Mandar Bhandari will take up the responsibility of wicketkeeping.
Maharashtra’s 16-member squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Ankit Bawne (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Arshin Kulkarni, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Navale (wicketkeeper), Mandar Bhandari (wicketkeeper), Jalaj Saxena, Vicky Ostwal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Chaudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Hitesh Walunj, Siddharth Mhatre. Harshal Kate, Rajneesh Gurbani
Also read: Karnataka announces 15-member squad for Ranji Trophy 2025; Karun Nair’s return
