Maharashtra have announced their 16-man squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, with Prithvi Shaw And Jalaj Saxena between the new inclusions. Experienced batter Ankeet Bawane has been appointed full-time captain, leading a strong mix of youth and experience as the team aims to make a deep run in India’s premier red-ball competition.
The Maharashtra campaign begins on October 15
Placed in Group B, Maharashtra will compete alongside Kerala, Saurashtra, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. Their first match will be an away match against Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram from October 15 to 18, marking the start of what promises to be a closely contested season.
Prithvi Shaw is looking for a fresh start after leaving Mumbai
Right-handed hitter Prithvi Shaw headlines the selection after she made a high-profile move from Mumbai to Maharashtra earlier this year. Shaw’s move 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 look to revive his domestic career and make his case for a domestic comeback with a strong performance in the Ranji Trophy.
The addition of Shaw is expected to significantly boost Maharashtra’s top spot, which already includes star batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad, who previously captained the side and remains one of the team’s key players.
Jalaj Saxena brings experience and balance to the Maharashtra team
Experienced all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, who represented Kerala in last year’s Ranji Trophy final, will also join Maharashtra ahead of the new season. One of the most consistent players 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 handy batting lower down the order, Saxena adds valuable depth and balance to Maharashtra’s line-up. His experience in crucial matches will be of great importance if the team wants to challenge for top honors in Group B.
Selectors choose experience over youth
The Maharashtra selectors have opted for a mix of proven performers and young talent, with seasoned players backed for stability. Pradeep Dadhe was preferred over promising pacer Rajvardhan Hangargekar, indicating a strategy focused on reliability.
The squad also includes Vicky OstwalMukesh Choudhary, Hitesh Walunj and Rajneesh Gurbani, giving the team a strong bowling attack that could adapt to varied conditions. Saurabh Nawale and Mandar Bhandari will share the wicketkeeping duties.
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Maharashtra’s 16-member squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-2026
Ankeet Bawane (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Arshin Kulkarni, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Nawale (WK), Mandar Bhandari (WK), Jalaj Saxena, Vicky Ostwal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Predeep Dadhe, Hitesh Walunj, Siddharth Mhatre, Harshal Kate, Rajnesh Gurbani
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