Haryana vs Himachal Pradesh, Elite Group D, Ranji Trophy Elite 2026-27

Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Preview: Haryana vs Himachal Pradesh

Opening Clash in Group D Sets the Tone for the 92nd Edition

The 92nd edition of the Ranji Trophy kicks off on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with Haryana taking on Himachal Pradesh in a Group D encounter that promises to be a compelling start to India's premier domestic first-class competition.

Match Details

The match will begin at 9:30 AM IST and is scheduled to run from October 11-14, 2026.

About the Tournament

The Ranji Trophy, introduced in the 1934-35 season and named after the legendary Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, continues to serve as the cornerstone of India's first-class structure. The 2026-27 season runs from October 11, 2026, to March 3, 2027, featuring 32 Elite teams divided into four groups, alongside six teams competing in the Plate division.

Jammu & Kashmir enter the tournament as defending champions, having claimed their maiden title in the 2025-26 season under the captaincy of Paras Dogra.

Group D Analysis

Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are both part of a competitive Elite Group D, which also includes:

• Chandigarh
• Mumbai
• Railways
• Rajasthan
• Uttarakhand

The top two sides from each Elite group will advance to the Super League phase, with the group toppers set to meet in the final. The knockout stage begins on February 9, 2027, with the semifinals on February 18 and the final scheduled between February 27 and March 3, 2027.

Team Squads

Haryana

Squad: To Be Declared (TBD)

Haryana's squad for the 2026-27 season has yet to be officially confirmed. The Haryana team will be looking to build on their domestic credentials as they aim to make a deep run in Group D.

Himachal Pradesh

Squad:

• Nehal Wadhera
• Pukhraj Mann
• Shubham Arora
• Amanpreet Singh
• Mukul Negi
• Nitin Sharma
• Aryanman Singh Dhaliwal
• Innesh Mahajan
• Vaibhav Kalta
• Akash Vasisht
• Arpit Guleria
• Divesh Sharma
• Hritik Kalia
• Harshit Sandal
• Jitender Rana

Himachal Pradesh boast a well-rounded squad with a mix of pace and spin options. The inclusion of bowlers like Harshit Sandal and Akash Vasisht gives the team a strong bowling attack, while batting talents such as Nehal Wadhera and Amanpreet Singh provide depth up the order.

Where to Watch

Matches of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 will be broadcast across the JioStar Network under the Star Sports umbrella. Fans can watch live coverage through:

• TV Channels: Star Sports Network (selected matches)
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website (subscription required)

The BCCI has been working to expand domestic coverage, with knockout matches receiving wider telecast than league-stage fixtures.

What to Expect

As the opening fixture of the tournament, this Haryana vs Himachal Pradesh clash will provide an early indication of both teams' preparations for the demanding multiday format. Playing at the Ch Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium in Rohtak, Haryana will hope to leverage home advantage, while Himachal Pradesh's bowling-heavy lineup could prove troublesome on the pitch.

With the two-phase format in place—including a two-month break between November 2026 and January 2027 to accommodate whiteball tournaments—every match in the opening phase carries significant weight in the quest for Super League qualification.

This is an opening-round fixture in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27. Squad details for Haryana remain to be confirmed. Check JioHotstar and Star Sports for the latest broadcast and team announcement updates.