Ranji Trophy 2025/26, Round 2: All eyes on Sarfaraz Khan, Mohammed Shami after India A snub

by · Inside Sport India

Here's a look at key players in action during Ranji Trophy Round 2 starting Saturday.

India hopefuls will once again be in the limelight in Round 2 fixtures of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26. India’s premier red ball competition kicked off earlier this month, and another round of exciting matches will kick start on Saturday.

Saurashtra take on Madhya Pradesh in what is the most high profile clash of round 2. Ravindra Jadeja will be in action against Rajat Patidar’s side, while Sanju Samson and Kerala will face off against Punjab. Insidesport.IN looks at the players to watch out for Ranji Trophy Round 2:

Sarfaraz Khan, Ayush Mhatre in action vs Chhatisgarh

Sarfaraz Khan was omitted from India’s A team squad for the South Africa A matches. The Mumbai batter has slipped down the pecking order and will need a strong show to put himself back in contention. It was only a year ago that Khan has scored 150 against New Zealand. He has since lost weight and returned to full fitness, chasing that India cap.

Khan’s teammate meanwhile will be in action for India A however. The Chhatisgarh match allows him to get into rhythm and get runs under his belt ahead of a pivotal step in his career.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami’s India career seems to be all but over. The 36-year-old was ignored across formats and did not make the A squad as well. Shami has since hit back Ajit Agarkar, suggesting he remains fit and willing to wear the India colours. After a player of the match performance in Round 1, the Bengaluru pacer will hope to continue defying his doubters and launch a late career surge.

Ranji Trophy 2025/26 Round 2 fixtures

  • Andhra vs Baroda
  • Uttar Pradesh vs Odisha
  • Nagaland vs Tamil Nadu
  • Vidarbha vs Jharkhand
  • Punjab vs Kerala
  • Chandigarh vs Maharashtra
  • Karnataka vs Goa
  • Saurashtra vs Madhya Pradesh
  • Assam vs Services
  • Bengal vs Gujarat
  • Uttarakhand vs Railways
  • Tripura vs Haryana
  • Puducherry vs Hyderabad
  • Jammu & Kashmir vs Rajasthan
  • Mumbai vs Chhattisgarh
  • Delhi vs Himachal Pradesh
  • Manipur vs Bihar
  • Sikkim vs Meghalaya
  • Mizoram vs Arunachal Pradesh