Maharashtra announce squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26; Prithvi Shaw, Jalaj Saxena included

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Maharashtra have announced their 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, with Prithvi Shaw and Jalaj Saxena among the new inclusions. Experienced batter Ankeet Bawane has been appointed as the full-time captain, leading a strong mix of youth and experience as the team aims for a deep run in India’s premier red-ball competition.

Placed in Group B, Maharashtra will compete alongside Kerala, Saurashtra, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. Their first fixture will be an away match against Kerala at Thiruvananthapuram from October 15 to 18, marking the start of what promises to be a tightly contested season.

Right-handed batter Prithvi Shaw headlines the squad 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 look to revive his domestic career and push his case for a national comeback with strong performances in the Ranji Trophy.

Shaw’s addition is expected to significantly boost Maharashtra’s top order, which already features star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has previously captained the side and remains one of the team’s key players.

Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, who represented Kerala in last year’s Ranji Trophy final, also joins Maharashtra ahead of the new season. Saxena, one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic cricket, 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’s inclusion adds valuable depth and balance to Maharashtra’s lineup. His experience in crucial matches will be instrumental as the side looks to challenge for top honours in Group B.

The Maharashtra selectors have chosen a blend of proven performers and young talent, backing seasoned players for stability. Pradeep Dadhe was preferred over promising pacer Rajvardhan Hangargekar, signalling a strategy focused on reliability.

The squad also includes Vicky Ostwal, Mukesh Choudhary, Hitesh Walunj and Rajneesh Gurbani, providing the team with a strong bowling attack capable of adapting to varied conditions. Saurabh Nawale and Mandar Bhandari will share wicketkeeping duties.

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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, Pradeep Dadhe, Hitesh Walunj, Siddharth Mhatre, Harshal Kate, Rajneesh Gurbani

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