Bihar vs Arunachal Pradesh: Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Match Preview – October 15, 2025

Venue: Moinul Haq Stadium, Patna
Time: 05:00 GMT (09:30 IST)
Format: First-Class (4-day match)
Competition: Ranji Trophy 2025-26 – Plate Group
Series: Plate Group Stage
Broadcast & Streaming: Not live-streamed (Only knockout matches will be televised)

The 91st edition of the Ranji Trophy gets underway on October 15, 2025, and the Moinul Haq Stadium in Patna will host one of the opening fixtures as Bihar takes on Arunachal Pradesh in the Plate Group. This match is the first of its kind featuring Bihar against one of the newer entrants to the competition.

Match Context & Significance

The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy sees 38 teams spread across the Elite and Plate divisions, with the Plate Group serving as a competitive stage for teams vying to climb the domestic cricket ladder. The winner of the Plate Group is eligible for promotion to the Elite division, making every match in this group crucial.

For Bihar, the match is an opportunity to build momentum in front of a home crowd and showcase their potential. For Arunachal Pradesh, it’s a chance to make a strong first impression in the competition and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket.

Team Form & Strengths

Bihar:

Bihar has a relatively strong history in domestic cricket, with notable performances in the past. The team has a solid batting line-up, with experienced players who are familiar with the conditions in Patna. The Moinul Haq Stadium, known for its batting-friendly surface, could play into Bihar's hands.

Key players to watch:

• Saurabh Tiwary – A consistent run-scorer with a calm approach, Tiwary can anchor the innings and build partnerships.
• Abhishek Raut – A promising all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
• Chetan Sakariya – A key spinner who thrives in slow, turning conditions, which may be on offer in Patna.

Arunachal Pradesh:

As one of the newer teams in the Ranji Trophy, Arunachal Pradesh has been making steady progress in domestic cricket. They may lack the depth of experience compared to older teams, but they are known for their aggressive and fearless approach.

Key players to watch:

• Rohit Sharma (Arunachal Pradesh) – A rising star with a strong left-handed batting style and a keen eye for scoring runs against spin.
• Jiten Gurung – A versatile pace bowler who can exploit rough patches and provide early breakthroughs.
• Pawan Chaudhary – A wicketkeeper-batter who brings stability in the middle order.

Venue Conditions

Moinul Haq Stadium, Patna is a well-maintained venue that typically produces a flat and true pitch, favoring batters in the initial days. However, as the match progresses, the pitch can start to offer some assistance to spinners, particularly during the second and third sessions. With the weather in Patna being relatively warm and dry in October, it could favor seam bowlers in the early stages.

Head-to-Head History

This is the first-ever meeting between Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh in a first-class fixture, so there is no prior head-to-head record to reference. Both teams will be looking to use this match as a learning experience and a stepping stone in the Plate Group.

Prediction & Key Takeaways

This match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams eager to make a strong start to their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign. Bihar, with the support of the home crowd and the advantage of playing on a pitch they are familiar with, may have a slight edge. However, Arunachal Pradesh will come in with a can-do attitude and will be keen to prove that they are more than just a new entrant.

Key battles to watch:

• Saurabh Tiwary vs Jiten Gurung
• Chetan Sakariya vs Arunachal's batters
• Patna pitch behavior over the four days

Final Verdict

While Arunachal Pradesh will be motivated to make an impact, Bihar are slight favorites to take the first points of the season at home. A draw is also a very plausible outcome, especially if the match remains tightly contested.

Prediction: Bihar to win or a draw.

Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis on cricket news platforms.

Next Match: Sikkim vs Manipur
Venue: SICA Ground, Rangpo
Date: October 20, 2025
Time: 05:00 GMT
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