Ranji Trophy 2026-27 begins with KL Rahul struggling for Karnataka

The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, India's premier first-class cricket tournament, commenced on October 11, 2026. Organized by the BCCI, the tournament features 38 state associations divided into Elite and Plate divisions. The Elite Division consists of 32 teams split into four groups, while the Plate Division includes six teams from emerging cricket associations.

The tournament is structured in two phases to balance the schedule with white-ball domestic competitions. The first phase began in October 2026, with the knockout stages and remaining league matches scheduled to resume in January 2027. Jammu & Kashmir enters the season as the defending champions.

In early action, Indian senior batter KL Rahul struggled in his appearance for Karnataka against Andhra Pradesh. Playing in Elite Group B, Rahul was dismissed for 4 runs off 11 balls.