Ranji Trophy Boost: KL Rahul, Shubman Gill Return as Pant Sidelined

Ranji Trophy: KL to play for Karnataka; NKR confirms availability for Andhra

The Ranji Trophy is about to get a serious injection of star power. After months focused on international duties and IPL commitments, India’s top batters are heading back to the red-ball grind—and fans couldn’t be more excited.

KL Rahul will don the Karnataka jersey once again for their crucial Elite Group A clash against Punjab starting January 29, 2026. His return comes at a pivotal moment as Karnataka fights to secure a knockout berth. But he’s not alone: Shubman Gill is also expected to feature for Punjab, setting up a marquee batting duel in what promises to be one of the season’s most anticipated domestic fixtures.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has received a major boost with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy confirming his availability for the remaining group-stage matches. On the flip side, Rishabh Pant’s comeback trail hits another bump—he’s likely to miss the entire second leg of the tournament due to lingering fitness concerns and may soon begin a specialized rehab program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

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KL Rahul Returns to Lead Karnataka

After last featuring in the Ranji Trophy during the 2021–22 season, KL Rahul’s comeback is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. Karnataka sits third in Elite Group A with two wins from four matches. They need strong performances against direct rivals like Punjab to advance.

Rahul, who has been managing workload post-T20 World Cup 2025, confirmed his availability after clearing fitness protocols. “Playing for Karnataka is always special,” he told reporters. “This team has given me my foundation—I owe it to them.”

His presence stabilizes a middle order that’s shown flashes but lacks consistency. Expect him to bat at No. 3, allowing young opener Rohan Kadam to play freely at the top.

Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja: Domestic Comebacks

Punjab isn’t just relying on opposition stars—they’ll have their own ace in Shubman Gill. Fresh off a stellar Test series in Australia, Gill is using the Ranji Trophy to fine-tune his red-ball rhythm ahead of India’s home season.

Similarly, veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is slated to play for Saurashtra in their upcoming match against Madhya Pradesh. Known for his match-winning spells and gritty batting, Jadeja’s involvement could be the difference-maker in a tight contest.

These returns signal a growing trend: senior players recognizing the value of domestic cricket not just as obligation, but as preparation.

Nitish Kumar Reddy Confirms for Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh’s campaign got a lifeline with Nitish Kumar Reddy’s confirmation. The explosive all-rounder—who clocked 140+ km/h with the ball and smashed a 43-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy—had been in national contention.

His availability bolsters both batting and bowling. In a group where every point counts, Reddy’s ability to change games single-handedly makes Andhra a dark horse for the knockouts.

Rishabh Pant: Injury Setback and NCA Rehab

In contrast, Rishabh Pant’s road to full recovery remains uncertain. Despite hopes of a Ranji return, medical staff have advised against competitive cricket due to residual stiffness in his right knee—the same joint injured in his 2022 car accident.

Sources close to the BCCI reveal Pant may travel to the NCA in the coming days for a “comprehensive biomechanical assessment and strength mapping.” While disappointing for Delhi fans, this cautious approach underscores the board’s long-term vision: prioritize Pant’s career over short-term gains.

Why Domestic Cricket Matters More Than Ever

The BCCI’s recent emphasis on player workload management has made domestic cricket a critical bridge between formats. With the World Test Championship final looming in 2027, red-ball form is non-negotiable.

Moreover, consistent Ranji performers are now fast-tracked to India A tours. As selector Ajit Agarkar noted, “We’re watching domestic cricket more closely than ever.”

Key Ranji Trophy Fixtures to Watch: Second Leg

Mark your calendars for these high-stakes clashes:

  • Jan 29–Feb 1: Karnataka vs Punjab (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru)
  • Jan 30–Feb 2: Saurashtra vs Madhya Pradesh (Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium)
  • Feb 5–8: Andhra Pradesh vs Tamil Nadu (ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)

[INTERNAL_LINK:ranji-trophy-2025-26-full-schedule] offers complete fixture details and live score links.

Conclusion: A Resurgence of Red-Ball Pride

The return of stars like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja to the Ranji Trophy isn’t just good news for their states—it’s a win for Indian cricket’s ecosystem. It validates the domestic circuit as a breeding ground for excellence, not just a fallback option. As Pant focuses on healing and Reddy readies for battle, one thing is clear: the heart of Indian cricket still beats strongest in its home tournaments.

Sources

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