Stories
Star India Players Set For Ranji Trophy Action Ahead Of New Zealand Tests
- •Senior players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj are set to play in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches.
- •The red-ball preparation aims to help key players get match practice ahead of the crucial Test series in New Zealand.
- •Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the Hyderabad Ranji team and play a couple of games before traveling.
- •The participation aligns with the BCCI directive emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket tournaments for multi-format players.
Key Questions Answered
Senior players need valuable red-ball practice and match preparation ahead of the all-important Test series in New Zealand. The BCCI expects first-teamers to play domestic red-ball cricket to get accustomed to conditions and avoid past mistakes like the 2024 whitewash.
The two-Test series against New Zealand begins on November 19, 2026, with matches in Wellington and Christchurch. India currently stands fifth in the World Test Championship and needs strong wins from their remaining seven Tests to qualify for the WTC final.
India A is scheduled to play three four-day matches against New Zealand A in Christchurch starting October 24, 2026. This unofficial Test series gives players not involved in T20Is essential time to prepare and adapt to New Zealand conditions before the senior squad's matches begin.
