Services vs Maharashtra, Elite Group C, Ranji Trophy Elite 2026-27

Services vs Maharashtra, Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Match Preview

A thrilling Group C opener of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 is all set to Match start the season on October 11, 2026, as Services take on Maharashtra at the Palam A Stadium, Delhi. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM IST, with the four-day fixture serving as one of the opening clashes of the 92nd edition of India's premier first-class tournament.

Match Overview

About the Tournament

The Ranji Trophy 2026-27, the 92nd edition of India's premier domestic first-class competition, begins on October 11, 2026. A total of 38 teams will compete across the Elite and Plate divisions, with 32 Elite teams split into four groups of eight, and six teams contesting the separate Plate Group. The tournament will run from October 11, 2026, to March 3, 2027.

Defending champions Jammu & Kashmir enter the competition as reigning Elite League titles after their maiden triumph last season. The Elite competition will run in two phases — from October 11 to November 5, 2026, and then resume from January 17 to February 4, 2027 — with the knockouts beginning on February 9 and the final scheduled for March 3.

Team Squads

Services Squad

Services will be looking to make an impact in their Group C opener. The team squad includes:

• Devender Lohchab, Nakul Sharma, Amit Pachhara, Ravi Chauhan, Nitin Tanwar, Rajat Paliwal, Mohit Ahlawat, Arjun Sharma, Rahul Singh, Varun Choudhary, Vineet Dhankhar, Jayant Goyat, Pulkit Narang, Pal Raj Bahadur

The team features a balanced mix of pace and spin options, with Devender Lohchab and Amit Pachhara providing early penetration, while Pulkit Narang and Jayant Goyat offer spin support.

Maharashtra Squad

Maharashtra arrive at the fixture with a strong, experienced batting lineup led by the prolific Prithvi Shaw, who will captain the side. The squad includes:

• Prithvi Shaw (c), Sachin Dhas, Digvijay Patil, Ankeet Bawane, Harshal Kate, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Navale (wk), Vicky Ostwal, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Tanay Sanghvi, Vaibhav Darkunde, Hitesh Walunj, Rishikesh Sonawane, Atharva Dharmadhikari

Maharashtra's batting depth is one of their key strengths, with Prithvi Shaw at the top of the order and dangerous finishers like Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Vicky Ostwal lower down.

Key Players to Watch

• Prithvi Shaw (Maharashtra): The experienced opener will be crucial for Maharashtra's top order. His ability to accelerate the scoring and anchor the innings makes him a vital asset in first-class cricket.

• Ravi Kiran (Services): The left-arm pacer has proven to be a valuable asset, and his ability to swing the new ball and take early wickets could trouble the Maharashtra batting lineup.

• Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Maharashtra): A handy all-rounder who can change games with both bat and ball, Hangargekar will be looking to make an early impact.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on the JioStar Network's Star Sports channels in India. Fans can also stream the match live on the JioHotstar app and website (subscription required). While the BCCI has been working to expand domestic coverage, match-by-match streaming availability may vary, with knockout games typically receiving wider broadcast attention than league-stage fixtures.

Final Thoughts

As one of the opening fixtures of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27, this Group C clash between Services and Maharashtra promises an exciting start to the season. Maharashtra, with their batting prowess and all-round depth, will be the favourites, but Services' determined bowling attack and home advantage at Palam A Stadium could make it an intriguing contest. Fans of first-class cricket will be eager to see which team gets the early upper hand in this Group B encounter.

Note: Squad details and player availability are subject to change. Please verify team announcements closer to the match date.