Jagadeesan named captain as Tamil Nadu announces squad for Ranji Trophy

N. Jagadeesan has been named captain of Tamil Nadu for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy that starts next month. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter recently received his maiden India call-up when he was part of the squad for the fifth Test against England, and has now been elevated to the top job of TN.

R. Sai Kishore, who led TN in the last two years, is not named in the 16-member squad as he is currently recovering from a finger injury and could miss the first two games. While he is expected to resume bowling soon, the management is cautious about rushing him back before the injury heals completely.

It is also understood that even if Sai Kishore recovers in time for the first game, Jagadeesan will lead the side for the first few encounters as the management doesn’t want to overburden the left-arm spinner immediately.

Similarly, B. Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar would also be added to the team if they don’t have any national commitments.

Maiden call-up

Off-spinner J. Hemchudesan, left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth, ‘keeper-bat G. Ajitesh and all-rounder R.S. Ambrish have been handed their maiden Ranji call-up.

The selectors have also recalled left-arm spinner D.T. Chandrasekar, who recently claimed a perfect-10 in the TNCA first division league. He last played for TN in the 2015-16 season, and his experience could come in handy considering the uncertainty surrounding Sai Kishore’s availability. S. Ajith Ram, another left-arm spinner, is also out with a knee injury.

“We have a good mixture of youngsters and seniors. It is a well-balanced side and the performances in Buchi Babu have been rewarded,” said head coach M. Senthilnathan.

Asked about the inexperienced spin attack, the coach wasn’t too concerned. “Vidyuth has done well in under-23 and here, while Hemchudesan is the future. He has shown the ability to adapt to senior cricket,” he added.

The squad: N. Jagadeesan (Capt., wk), Pradosh Ranjan Paul (Vice-capt.), B. Indrajith, M. Shahrukh Khan, R. Vimal Khumar, B. Sachin, C. Andre Siddarth, R.S. Ambrish, P. Vidyuth, D.T. Chandrasekar, Sandeep Warrier, Gurjapneet Singh, C.V. Achyuth, H. Trilok Nag, J. Hemchudesan, G. Ajitesh (wk).