The BCCI’s decision to make domestic cricket participation mandatory for its players has brought several of India’s biggest names back into the Ranji Trophy spotlight. Last season, Virat Kohli returned to Delhi’s red-ball side for the first time in 13 years, while Rohit Sharma turned out for Mumbai after a gap of nearly a decade.The trend has continued this season, with KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja representing their respective state teams. With the opening round of matches now complete, the performances of some of India’s established internationals have offered a glimpse of where they stand ahead of upcoming assignments.
KL Rahul: A rare failure for Karnataka batter
After amassing 470 runs in four matches for Karnataka last season, Rahul endured a disappointing start to the new campaign. Playing against Andhra Pradesh, the opener managed just four runs in the first innings and one in the second.The twin failures came after Rahul had scored an ODI century against West Indies, making his early Ranji struggles a surprise. His decision to feature in domestic cricket could also help him prepare for India’s upcoming red-ball assignment in New Zealand, where windy conditions and a swinging ball are expected to pose a challenge.Rahul’s next outing will come in the three red-ball matches beginning October 24 in Lincoln, ahead of the two-Test series.
Ravindra Jadeja: Hundred provides timely boost
Jadeja made the most of his opportunity with the bat for Saurashtra, registering his 16th first-class century with a score of 102. The all-rounder had not batted in a match since August 23 and had also missed out on an opportunity during India’s two ODIs against West Indies.While Jadeja’s days of hitting three triple-centuries in the 2011-12 season are long past, his latest hundred underlined that his appetite for big scores remains intact.His recent series in Sri Lanka had been relatively quiet with the bat, yielding scores of 43, 13 and nine, although he claimed eight wickets. With Jadeja expected to be part of India’s playing XI when the New Zealand Tests begin on November 19, the century could provide a valuable confidence boost.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Pressure builds after another setback
Jaiswal’s preparations for the domestic season attracted attention even before the first ball was bowled, with the India opener practising wicketkeeping. His opening-round outing, however, proved brief, as he was dismissed for a 13-ball duck against Chandigarh in Mumbai’s innings victory.The left-hander has endured a mixed period despite scoring two centuries in his last three ODIs. He has been left out of the playing XI in the format, while his scores against Sri Lanka in August, 0, 32 and 45, offered little encouragement.For a batter regarded as one of India’s brightest prospects, the recent run has been challenging. However, Jaiswal is expected to feature in India’s XI for the New Zealand tour, which will be his first visit to the country with the national team. Reproducing the form he displayed in England last year could prove important in giving India a strong start.
Mohammed Siraj: Hyderabad pacer looks to build rhythm
Siraj’s place in India’s ODI plans is no longer assured, while workload management in Test cricket makes his opportunities in the format difficult to predict.The Hyderabad pacer turned out for his state side against Tripura and bowled nine overs in each innings. After failing to take a wicket in the first innings, he returned with figures of 2/19 in the second as Hyderabad dominated the opposition’s batting.It was a reasonable outing for Siraj, though more overs in the build-up to the New Zealand Tests could help him find greater rhythm and confidence.
Mohammed Shami: Strong performance keeps India hopes alive
Shami continued to make his case with an impressive display for Bengal against Delhi at Kalyani. The fast bowler claimed 4/30 in the first innings, helping dismiss Delhi for 240, before Bengal built a 229-run lead that proved crucial to the result.He was effective again in the second innings, taking 1/29 from 18 overs as Bengal secured a comprehensive victory.Shami has not represented India for more than a year with his last appeareacne coming in Champions Trophy 2025, and whether his domestic performances will earn him another national call-up remains uncertain. His latest outing, however, has once again raised the question of what more the experienced pacer needs to do to get back into contention.