India captain Shubman Gill and veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja are reportedly set for a swift return to domestic cricket following India’s 1-2 ODI series defeat against New Zealand. According to Cricbuzz, the senior duo is expected to travel to Rajkot to feature in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, with a mouth-watering contest lined up between Jadeja’s Saurashtra and Gill’s Punjab on January 22 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.
If plans remain unchanged, the fixture could see two of India’s most recognisable names squaring off in red-ball cricket, offering a timely boost to their respective sides. Gill has not yet appeared in the ongoing Ranji season, with his last outing coming in the previous campaign against Karnataka. Jadeja, on the other hand, has featured only once this season, representing Saurashtra against Madhya Pradesh.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Both Saurashtra and Punjab are struggling for momentum, having won just one of their last five matches. Saurashtra currently sit fourth in the Group B standings, while Punjab are placed sixth, making the upcoming fixture vital in keeping their qualification hopes alive.
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With one more league match remaining after this encounter, Gill and Jadeja could potentially make themselves available for that fixture as well. The lack of immediate international commitments works in their favour, especially with neither player named in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, the next major assignment on the calendar.
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Star-studded showdown!
Shubman Gill & Ravindra Jadeja to shine in Ranji tie🏏🌟@toi_gauravG ✍️https://t.co/XM2kmHASWd
— TOI Sports (@toisports) January 19, 2026
For Jadeja, the Ranji return comes at a significant juncture in his career. Having already stepped away from T20 internationals, there is growing speculation that the recent New Zealand ODI series could be his last in the format. The 37-year-old endured a difficult campaign, scoring just 43 runs across three innings at an average of 14.33 and failing to pick up a wicket.
With younger all-rounders like Axar Patel impressing and others making strong cases through the Vijay Hazare Trophy, selection pressure is mounting.
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Gill, however, was quick to defend his senior teammate. Speaking after the series, he insisted Jadeja looked in good touch with the bat and pointed out that India’s broader batting unit failed to convert promising starts—an issue that ultimately proved costly in home conditions.
