League Stage Ends, Knockout Drama Begins in Ranji Trophy 2025–26

The league stage of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 concluded on February 1, paving the way for high-voltage quarter-finals scheduled to begin on February 6. Teams focusing on final preparations and squad reinforcements ahead of the knockout phase.

The biggest boost has come for Mumbai , as India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Shardul Thakur return to the side for their crucial quarter-final against Karnataka . Thakur will reclaim the captaincy, while Siddhesh Lad, who led Mumbai during his absence, finished the league stage as one of the tournament’s standout performers with five centuries.

Karnataka , meanwhile, will continue under the leadership of Devdutt Padikkal , whose blistering unbeaten century against Punjab sealed their qualification in dramatic fashion. The return of experienced batter Karun Nair further strengthens the squad as they prepare for a challenging away fixture in Mumbai.

One of the major talking points of the season has been the early exit of defending champions Vidarbha . Despite finishing level on points with Andhra and Jharkhand in Group A, Vidarbha were knocked out due to an inferior net run rate, underlining the fine margins in this year’s competition.

The quarter-final line-up features a mix of traditional heavyweights and emerging teams, promising closely contested encounters across venues in Mumbai, Indore, Kalyani, and Jamshedpur.