Nitish Rana looks set for a homecoming in Indian domestic cricket. After spending two seasons with Uttar Pradesh, the left-handed batter is likely to return to his original side, Delhi, ahead of the upcoming domestic season. The news was first reported by Pratyush Raj of the Times of India, and has already created buzz among fans of Delhi cricket.

Rana moved to Uttar Pradesh in 2022, probably looking for a fresh start and more chances to play consistently. He had a few solid outings there, but let’s be honest  the move didn’t really pan out the way many had hoped. Now, with Delhi rebuilding and trying to find their rhythm again, bringing someone like Rana back into the mix just feels like the right move.

He’s not new to the grind. Rana’s been around the domestic circuit for years, played in big IPL games, and even led Delhi before. He hits hard, plays with intent, and doesn’t shy away from pressure all things a young Delhi side could really use right now. He’s the kind of player who brings both skill and presence to the dressing room someone who’s been through it and knows what it takes.

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Nitish Rana’s Return Could Be the Turning Point in Delhi’s Domestic Cricket Rebuild

Rana’s return won’t just be about adding runs to the scorecard it could be about resetting Delhi’s mindset. Over the years, Rana has grown into a mature cricketer who understands the grind of domestic cricket. Rana’s been through a lot  he’s played big IPL matches, handled pressure situations, and seen what it’s like to be in different team environments. That kind of experience can’t be taught. It’s not just about the runs he scores it’s the leadership, the energy, and the intent he brings with him. For a Delhi side filled with young talent still finding their feet in the longer format, having someone like Rana around could make a real difference. He knows what it takes to win, and just as importantly, how to bounce back when things don’t go your way.

His presence in the dressing room could lift the whole squad. Rana understands the weight that comes with wearing the Delhi cap the expectations, the pressure, the constant comparisons. He’s been there before. And whether it’s rescuing the team from a collapse or putting an arm around a youngster who’s had a tough day, he adds value in ways that go beyond just numbers on a scoresheet. Delhi’s red-ball form has been patchy for a while now, but with Rana’s return, there’s hope they can turn a corner. He’s been through the highs and the lows  and that kind of experience might be exactly what this Delhi team needs to start punching above its weight again.

Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw is ready to turn a new page in his domestic career after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent another state as a professional. Shaw, who has been part of Mumbai cricket since his teenage years, made a formal request to the MCA for the NOC, which the association confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, MCA secretary Abhay Hadap praised Shaw’s contribution to Mumbai cricket and said the association respects his decision to move on. “Prithvi Shaw has been an exceptional talent and has contributed significantly to Mumbai cricket. We respect his decision and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” Hadap said.

Shaw’s decision comes after a rough patch with the Mumbai team. Last season, he was dropped from a Ranji Trophy match because of fitness concerns — reports indicated that his body fat percentage was as high as 35 percent. Despite being given a two-week fitness plan by MCA trainers, Shaw struggled to meet the expected standards. This led to him missing out on the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad too.
  

ALSO SEE: OTD: Ravindra Jadeja's heroics earned India the 2013 Champions Trophy defeating England

Shaw Eyes Revival with New State Team

In an email to the MCA, Shaw thanked the association for backing him throughout his career, calling it an honour to represent Mumbai. He said the chance to play for another state would help him grow as a player and allow him to focus on his game with a fresh mindset. He also reassured the MCA that this decision was made after a lot of thought and with full respect for the association.

While Shaw hasn’t played List A cricket in India since the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he did have a good stint in England’s One Day Cup with Northamptonshire, scoring 97 and 72 in two of his last five innings. Despite setbacks, he remains determined to prove himself.Last year, Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer commented on Shaw’s situation, saying, “We can’t babysit anyone. He has to figure things out for himself.” With a new state team waiting, Shaw will hope this fresh start brings him back into top form.

BCCI Announces Big Changes for 2025–26 Domestic Cricket Season: Full Schedule Out

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has changed and took some big updates for the 2025–26 domestic season, along with the full schedule. One of the main changes is that the Duleep Trophy will go back to its old format zonal teams picked by zonal selectors. Last season, it was played between four mixed Indian teams, but now it will once again be North, South, East, West, and Central Zones competing.

In the Ranji Trophy, the promotion system has been made stricter. Now, only one team from the Plate Group will move up to the Elite Group, and only one team will drop down. This means fewer teams will change groups this season.

There’s also a new twist in India’s domestic T20 tournament, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Instead of knockout matches after the group stage, there will now be a Super League. The top 8 teams from the group stage will be split into two groups of four. Each team will play 3 matches in their group, and the group winners will face off in the final. This same format will also be used for the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy.

New Grouping for One-Day Tournaments

The Vijay Hazare Trophy, Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, and Men’s U23 State A Trophy will now have a new group format. Earlier, the Vijay Hazare Trophy had five groups of uneven sizes. From now on, all three tournaments will have four Elite Groups and one Plate Group. Teams have been grouped based on their past performances how many matches they won, their total points, and their net run rate. Teams that don’t perform well will be pushed down to the Plate Group for the next season’s limited-overs tournaments.

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When Does the Season Start?

The new domestic season will kick off on August 28, 2025, with the Duleep Trophy, and will end on April 3, 2026, with the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy. The entire season will run for a little over five months, packed with exciting matches across all formats.

Key Changes in Indian Domestic Cricket for the 2025–26 Season

The BCCI has made several important updates to the domestic cricket structure for the 2025–26 season. These changes are aimed at making the competitions more competitive and better organized.

Major Updates at a Glance

2025–26 Key Tournament Schedule

India vs New Zealand 2026: Probable ODI & T20I Venues

Ranji Trophy in Two Parts, White-Ball Format Gets a Fresh Twist

The Ranji Trophy will be played in two phases this time. The first phase will start on October 15 and go on till November 19. After a break, the second phase will begin on January 22. The BCCI took this decision in a recent meeting, saying that splitting the tournament will help players manage their workload better. The break in between will also give them time to rest and recover.

SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy During the Break

While the Ranji Trophy takes a pause, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be played between mid-November and mid-January. The SMAT and the Senior Women’s T20 knockouts will follow a Super League format. In this format, each team will play three matches, and the best teams from Group A and Group B will meet in the final. Officials said this change was made to make the tournament more fun and competitive.

Changes in Team Groups

For the men’s and women’s one-day and T20 matches, the bottom six teams from the 2024–25 season will now play in the Plate group. At the end of the season, the best team from the Plate group will move up to the Elite group, and the lowest-ranked Elite team will drop down to the Plate group for the next season. For multi-day men’s tournaments, both in senior and junior levels, the current rule stays the sameone team will be promoted and one will be relegated each season.

Ranji Trophy 2025–26: Group Division, Zonal Revival, and Key Updates

The Duleep Trophy and Senior Women’s Challenger Trophy will once again feature six traditional zonal teams: North, East, North East, Central, West, and South. Unlike recent seasons, where national selectors picked the squads, this time zonal selection committees will handle team selections, following the older format. The Duleep Trophy will kick off the 2025–26 domestic calendar in September, while the Irani Cup is scheduled from October 1–5.

Equal Pay for Match Scorers

In a move toward fairness, BCCI is working on ensuring equal pay for scorers at international venues. Under the new policy, scorers will earn ₹25,000 per day for Tests and ODIs, and ₹12,500 per day for T20 Internationals.

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India vs New Zealand – White-Ball Series 2026

In a recent on-air revelation on Star Sports, the Delhi Ranji coach, Sarandeep Singh, revealed an interesting chat he had with batting great Virat Kohli about preparations for the upcoming England Test series. The coach stated that he had advised Kohli to play county cricket to get used to English conditions before the high-profile tour. Kohli, however, had something else in mind.

The coach reportedly quoted Kohli as having assured him with a firm answer, "I'll play 2 India A matches in England," accompanied by an emphasis of purpose, "I want to score 4-5 centuries in the England series, like in 2018." Kohli also cherished his home assignment for Delhi for the Ranji Trophy in 2018 before one of his best overseas series performances. The veteran batter has often emphasized the value of match practice and building rhythm in competitive settings, and this approach appears no different.

Kohli’s preference for India A match over county cricket underlines his belief in structured preparation with the national setup. The India Matches will be conducted in similar conditions and structures to the actual Test series so that Kohli can sharpen his game with the same coaching staff and match-day routines he'll get during the England Tests. His attitude and mental work are both as sharp as ever, even as he possibly moves toward the twilight of his career. 

Kohli's Roadmap to Retirement and Final Goals 

Outside of the immediate plans, the coach also spoke about Kohli’s long-term vision and added that the former captain has alluded to having already privately considered the prospect of retirement. While no timeline has been set, Kohli has expressed a desire to finish on his own terms—ideally after one more strong overseas tour and a possible ICC title. The England series could be among his final major overseas tests, and he is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

Also Read: List of matches Virat Kohli will play till ODI World Cup 2027

Fans and pundits too cannot wait to see if Virat Kohli can repeat the 2018 heroics of England again. If his actions and preparation are any indication, the 2025 series may be another page of gold from the Virat Kohli book of legend.

Shifts in Mumbai Cricket: Top Players Changing

Another renowned batter is said to be contemplating an exit, causing significant change in Mumbai cricket. Conversations have surfaced that Suryakumar Yadav could also be on his way out only hours after Yashasvi Jaiswal sent an email asking for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Recently moved to the Elite Group in the Ranji Trophy, the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) is aggressively searching for players nationwide. Though conversations with Suryakumar are still ongoing, those with Jaiswal were settled days earlier. Furthermore, reports indicate that Hyderabad captain Tilak Varma has gotten offers.

Though Shamba Desai, the GCA secretary, would not name players, she verified ongoing conversations under interrogation. ;We are now negotiating with quite a few national players. I can't give you a name now. Desai informed TimesofIndia.com that we will be completing other professional player shortly.

Reasons for the uncertainty in Mumbai Camp and for the relocation

There is much conjecture that Suryakumar Yadav is persuading athletes to contemplate changing. Reportedly, Ajinkya Naik, president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has been meeting on the surprise exits.

Jaiswal's intention to relocate has already generated some debate. Having been approached by GCA over a week ago, he looked for an NOC. His exit is related to past events, among them a rift with Ajinkya Rahane during the 2022 Duleep Trophy and whispers of discontent in the Mumbai dressing room. Jaiswal's skipping of the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha due to an ankle problem added more fuel to the fire.

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Jaiswal's captaincy aspirations influenced his choice, which reports say he discussed with senior Mumbai teammates beforehand. Still, his timing of his departure is unexpected since it aligns with the ongoing Indian Premier League, where he is flying with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for their April 5 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Although neither Jaiswal nor Suryakumar has formally announced their departure, these events point to major transformations with in Mumbai cricket.

Harsh Dubey is a name that has been making headlines in Indian domestic cricket. A left-arm spinner and all-rounder from Vidarbha, he made news with his record-breaking Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, when he created a new record for the most wickets in a season. His regular performances have got cricket enthusiasts and experts sitting up and taking notice, and several feel that he may be playing at the top level very soon.

Who is Harsh Dubey?

Harsh Dubey was born on July 23, 2002, in Pune, Maharashtra. He fell in love with cricket at a young age. His hard work and talent made him play for Vidarbha Cricket Team in domestic cricket, where he has impressed with his bowling as well as batting.

Harsh Dubey's Cricket Career

First-Class (Ranji Trophy) Performance:

• Matches: 18
• Wickets Taken: 97
• Best Bowling Figures: 6/36
• Bowling Average: 19.98
• Runs Scored: 709
• Highest Score: 76

List A and T20 Cricket:

• List A Matches: 20
• Wickets Taken: 21
• Runs Scored: 213
• T20 Matches: 16
• T20 Wickets: 9

Shattering Records in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season was a turning point for Dubey. He took 69 wickets, setting a new record for most wickets in a season, eclipsing Ashutosh Aman's previous record of 68 wickets. His unforgettable bowling performances played a crucial role in Vidarbha winning the title, proving that he is a match-winner.

Also see : Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Kerala vs Vidarbha: A Thrilling Contest in Nagpur

Training with Ravichandran Ashwin

Harsh Dubey honed his bowling skills under the guidance of Ravichandran Ashwin while playing club cricket in Chennai. His coaching under Ashwin helped him to perfect variations and match sense, and thus he turned into a more feared bowler.

Harsh Dubey's Future in Cricket

With his ability and regular performances, Harsh Dubey is regarded as a future India player. He is also a good bet for the Indian Premier League (IPL), where teams are constantly looking for quality spin bowlers.

Harsh Dubey's path from a young hopeful cricketer to a record-shattering Ranji Trophy player is motivational. His skill to take wickets when the pressure is on and also score runs with the bat makes him a must-have player for any team. Be it IPL or the Indian national team, Dubey's future seems promising, and Indian cricket enthusiasts must watch out for this new talent.

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Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Kerala vs Vidarbha: A Thrilling Contest in Nagpur

The Ranji Trophy season 2024-25 was wrapped up by Vidarbha as the champions after winning their third title in the tournament's history. Though the final match against Kerala was drawn with a thrilling contest, Vidarbha won the trophy based on their first-innings advantage.

Champions and Runners-up:

Award Winners:

Top Performers:

Prize Money:

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Final Match Summary:
The last game between Vidarbha and Kerala witnessed some aggressive cricketing. Danish Malewar was the pick of Vidarbha players, scoring 153 in the first innings and 73 in the second innings. Kerala tried its best, but Vidarbha's first-innings advantage was sufficient to bring home the championship
Major Highlights of the Season:

• Harsh Dubey's all-round performance was a turning point in Vidarbha's victory, topping the wicket charts and contributing significantly with the bat.
  
• Shubham Sharma's consistency with the bat took Madhya Pradesh to the knockout rounds.
  
• Anshul Kamboj's record 10-wicket haul against Kerala was one of the best bowling performances of the season.
  

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy saw some great cricket, with Vidarbha establishing their dominance once again. The performances of young guns like Malewar, Dubey, and Rathod are a sign of good things to come for Indian domestic cricket.

Winners by Edition:

The final of the Ranji Trophy is being played out and the title will be determined on March 2, 2025. The 90th Ranji Trophy is nearing its conclusion and the game between Kerala and Vidarbha has been nothing less than an enthralling contest at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. The elite tournament of Ranji Trophy was inaugurated for the first time during the 1934-35 season and is considered India's top first-class tournament. Originally, it had been titled Cricket Championship of India and later called Ranji Trophy in the succeeding year.

VIDARBHA HAS WON 3 RANJI TROPHY TITLES IN JUST 7 YEARS 🤯

- New force of Indian Domestic Cricket. pic.twitter.com/grTjVqWxLd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 2, 2025

ALSO SEE: Karun Nair's Ranji Trophy Heroics: 86 & 135 – A Strong Case for India Test Recall!

Vidarbha's Rise to Domestic Cricket
Vidarbha's journey to Ranji Trophy glory began in 2017-18 when they reached their first final. Faiz Fazal led them to their first title by defeating Delhi. They retained their title the following year by defeating Saurashtra, joining an elite group of teams that have won consecutive titles.
Nair, during his game against Kerala, was observed showing great calmness while batting, scoring his hundred off 184 balls. His whack, marked with seven fours and two sixes, contributed to Vidarbha reaching 249/4 at stumps, taking their overall lead to 286 runs after Kerala's first innings of 342.

Karun Nair, the gifted Indian batsman, is back in the news again for his unbelievable consistency in domestic cricket. Having become only the second Indian to score a Test triple century, Nair's international career took an unexpected turn, but his recent performances indicate that he is now set for a national comeback. With multiple centuries and match-winning knocks, Nair is proving that he still has a lot to offer Indian cricket.

A Match-Winning Performance

Karun Nair stepped up when the chips were down. 

He hit 86 in the first innings and then an excellent 135 in the second.

His timely knocks enabled Vidarbha to gain the upper hand over Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final.

Karun Nair's Recent Domestic Cricket Performance

Nair's last 17 innings in domestic cricket have been nothing but breathtaking:                                                                                            122(108), 44(52), 163*(107), 111*(103), 112(101), 122*(82), 88*(44), 27(31), 39(80), 4(7), 3(13), 105(193), 122(243), 45(70), 6(17), 86(188), 135(295)**

• 860 runs in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with a dazzling average of 57.33.
• 779 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy with an astounding average of 389.50 with five centuries.

Such a consistency across formats makes him a prime candidate for an India comeback.

The 'Nine' Celebration – A Message to Selectors?

After crossing his century, Nair gestured a 'nine' with his hands. Several people felt this was a message to BCCI selectors, as he has been overlooked for international selection since 2017. However, Nair soon explained that it was a premeditated gesture for the Vidarbha support staff, as he was celebrating his ninth century of the season.

Should Karun Nair be recalled to an India Test?

Even after scoring a record triple century (303*) in 2016, Nair has been ignored for the Indian team since 2017. But with India's middle-order struggling in the current England series, his present form makes him a prime choice for selection.

Karun Nair's run-scoring exploits in the Ranji Trophy final and in the domestic season have once again raised questions regarding his inclusion in the Indian Test team. Given his experience, reliability, and desire for runs, he could very well prove to be India's solution for the middle order.