Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 12: Ravindra Jadeja began his return to red-ball cricket with a century for Saurashtra against Chhattisgarh in their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 match in Rajkot on Monday. The India all-rounder scored 102 off 209 balls as Saurashtra recovered from early setbacks to post 392 in their first innings.
Jadeja walked in with Saurashtra at 120 for three. He remained at the crease after the team lost another wicket at 151. He then combined with Prerak Mankad to rebuild the innings, with the pair adding 2-5 runs for the fifth wicket.
The century was Jadeja’s 16th in first-class cricket. It also gave Saurashtra a strong start to their campaign after their early exit from the competition last season.
The innings also gives Jadeja valuable time in the middle ahead of India’s two Test tour of New Zealand next month. He recently featured in two matches during India’s 2-1 ODI series victory over the West Indies, taking two wickets but not getting an opportunity to bat.
India are scheduled to face New Zealand in the first Test in Wellington from November 19 to 23. This will be followed by the second match in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. Jadeja’s domestic outing offers him a chance to build batting rhythm before the Test series.
The 2026-27 Ranjhi Trophy season began on October 11. Saurashtra are in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam,, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura.
