Get the latest Ranji Trophy 2026 news! Follow Phase 2 live updates, updated points table for Elite Groups A-D, and knockout schedules. See how stars like Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami are performing on the road to the February final.
By The Trending News Fox, Web News & Media Team, Tuesday 20th January, 2026
Ranji Trophy 2026: The Ultimate Guide to India’s Premier Domestic Cricket Season
The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season has reached its most critical juncture. As we move into January 2026, the 91st edition of India’s premier first-class cricket tournament is capturing the nation’s attention, serving as the ultimate proving ground for established stars and emerging talent.
For any cricket enthusiast following Trending News Fox, this season is particularly historic, marked by a unique split-phase format and high-stakes drama that keeps the red-ball tradition alive.
In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the standings, the return of international stars like Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, and what to expect as we head toward the grand finale in February 2026.
The Current State of Play: Phase 2 Kick-Off
The BCCI structured the 2025-26 season into two distinct phases to accommodate a packed international and white-ball schedule (including the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophies).
- Phase 1: Conducted between October 15 and November 19, 2025.
- Phase 2: Resumed on January 22, 2026, focusing on the final rounds of the league stage and the high-octane knockouts.
As of late January 2026, the battle for the top two spots in each Elite Group is fiercer than ever. Defending champions Vidarbha have continued their dominant run, fresh off their historic maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy win earlier this month.
Ranji Trophy 2026: Elite Group Standings (As of Jan 2026)
| Group | Table Topper | Key Challengers |
| Group A | Vidarbha | Andhra, Jharkhand |
| Group B | Madhya Pradesh | Karnataka, Maharashtra |
| Group C | Bengal | Haryana, Uttarakhand |
| Group D | Mumbai | Jammu & Kashmir, Hyderabad |
Major Headlines: International Stars Return to Domestic Roots
One of the biggest talking points for Trending News Fox readers this week is the return of Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja to the Ranji arena. Following a challenging ODI series against New Zealand, both stars are set to feature in the Punjab vs. Saurashtra clash in Rajkot.
Ranji Trophy 2026: Shubman Gill’s Redemption
After facing criticism for his dismissal in the Indore ODI, Gill is looking to regain his red-ball rhythm. Representing Punjab, his presence not only bolsters the team’s top order but also provides a masterclass for young domestic players.
Ranji Trophy 2026: Ravindra Jadeja’s Form Quest
Jadeja, a legend for Saurashtra, returns to the domestic fold seeking to find his clinical edge with both bat and ball. With Saurashtra currently sitting 4th in Group B, Jadeja’s inclusion is the “X-factor” they need to leapfrog into the knockout spots.
The Rise of the Next Gen: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the face of Bihar’s campaign. Being named vice-captain at such a young age is a testament to the evolving nature of Indian cricket, where age is no longer a barrier to leadership and talent.
Team Spotlights: Who are the Favorites?
1. Vidarbha: The New Powerhouse
Vidarbha is no longer the “underdog.” Under coach Usman Ghani and captain Akshay Wadkar, they have developed a winning culture. Their recent victory in the 50-over format (Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026) has given them immense momentum. Players like Yash Thakur and Karun Nair have been instrumental in their red-ball consistency.
2. Mumbai: Seeking the 43rd Title
The most successful team in history, Mumbai, led by Shardul Thakur (who took over from Ajinkya Rahane), is desperate to reclaim the throne. With a mix of seasoned pros like Rahane and explosive talent like Prithvi Shaw (now playing for Maharashtra) no longer in the squad, the onus is on the core group to maintain the “Mumbai Khadoos” spirit.
3. Jammu & Kashmir: The Dark Horse
One of the most heartwarming stories of the 2026 season has been Jammu & Kashmir. Their victory over Delhi—the first in 65 years—has signaled their arrival as a legitimate threat in Group D. Auqib Nabi, with his 10-wicket match haul earlier in the season, is a name every IPL scout is currently tracking.
Ranji Trophy 2026: Key Players to Watch in the Knockouts
As we approach the quarter-finals starting February 6, 2026, several players are making a strong case for national selection:
- Mohammed Shami (Bengal): After returning from injury, Shami’s five-wicket haul against Gujarat proved he is still the king of swing.
- Tilak Varma (Hyderabad): Captaining Hyderabad, Varma has transitioned his T20 success into the longer format with remarkable ease.
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (Bengal): Consistently scoring runs, Easwaran remains the top contender for an India Test call-up.
- Manav Suthar (Rajasthan): The young spinner has been the talk of the town for his incredible control and ability to bowl long spells.
The Road to the Final: Schedule & Venues
The BCCI has confirmed that the Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre will be a primary hub for the knockout stages.
- Quarter-Finals: February 6 – February 10, 2026
- Semi-Finals: February 15 – February 19, 2026
- The Grand Final: February 24 – February 28, 2026
The final is expected to be a sold-out affair, potentially featuring a heavyweight clash if teams like Vidarbha and Mumbai continue their trajectory.
Insights: Why Ranji Trophy 2026 is Trending
From a digital perspective, “Ranji Trophy 2026” is a high-volume search term because:
- Selection Implications: Fans want to see who will replace aging veterans in the national Test squad.
- IPL 2026 Auction Links: Domestic performance directly impacts player prices in the upcoming IPL cycle.
- Regional Pride: With 38 teams across Elite and Plate groups, the tournament has a massive local footprint.
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes
The Ranji Trophy 2026 is more than just a tournament; it is a marathon of endurance, skill, and mental toughness. Whether it’s Vidarbha chasing a historic double, or stars like Shubman Gill finding their feet again, the narratives are endless.
Stay tuned to Trending News Fox for live updates, session-by-session reports, and exclusive interviews as we head into the business end of the season.
Editor’s Note: Indian domestic cricket is at its peak. Support your local state teams and witness the birth of the next Indian legends on the dusty pitches of Bharat.
Ranji Trophy 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most searched questions regarding the 91st edition of India’s premier red-ball tournament.
1. When does the Ranji Trophy 2026 Phase 2 begin?
The second phase of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season officially resumed on January 22, 2026. This phase includes the final two rounds of the league stage followed by the high-stakes knockout matches.
2. What is the format for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season?
The tournament follows a split-phase format:
- Elite Group: 32 teams divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) of eight teams each. The top two teams from each group qualify for the Quarter-Finals.
- Plate Group: 6 teams play in a single group. The top four teams enter the Plate semi-finals, and the winner of the Plate final earns promotion to the Elite Group for the next season.
3. When and where is the Ranji Trophy 2026 Final?
The grand final of the Ranji Trophy 2026 is scheduled to be played from February 24 to February 28, 2026. While venues for the final are often decided based on the finalists, the Madan Paliwal Miraj Sports Centre has been designated as a key hub for the knockout stages this year.
4. Who are the defending champions?
Vidarbha entered the 2025-26 season as the defending champions, having defeated Kerala in the 2024-25 final to claim their third title.
5. Where can I watch Ranji Trophy 2026 live in India?
- Live Streaming: Fans can stream selected matches live on the JioHotstar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar) app and website.
- TV Telecast: Live matches are broadcast on the Star Sports Network (specifically Star Sports Khel).
- Live Scores: You can follow real-time ball-by-ball updates on the official BCCI.tv website and the BCCI app.
6. Who is the youngest player in the Ranji Trophy 2026?
The 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the youngest prominent player this season. Representing Bihar, he made headlines by being named the team’s vice-captain, showcasing the incredible young talent emerging in Indian domestic cricket.
7. How many teams get relegated or promoted?
Under the revised BCCI rules for the 2025-26 season, only one team is relegated from the Elite Group to the Plate Group (based on the lowest points/quotient), while only the Plate Group winner is promoted to the Elite category for the following season.
saibal.bose.how36@gmail.com. (2026ac, January 20). Ranji Trophy 2026 Live: Points Table, Scores & Phase 2 Knockout Updates. Trending News Fox. https://trendingnewsfox.com/ranji-trophy-2026-live-points-table-scores-phase-2-knockout/
