Ravindra Jadeja slams Ranji Trophy century, builds towards New Zealand Tests

Ravindra Jadeja scored his 16th first-class century, making 102 for Saurashtra against Chhattisgarh in the Ranji Trophy. The knock comes ahead of India's two-Test tour of New Zealand, giving the all-rounder valuable time in the middle before the international assignment.Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his 16th first-class century for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy. (Photo: PTI)Rajkot,Oct 12, 2026 14:31 ISTRavindra Jadeja marked his return to red-ball cricket with a century for Saurashtra against Chhattisgarh in their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 match in Rajkot on Monday. The India all-rounder scored 102 off 209 balls, helping his side recover from a difficult position and post 392 in their first innings.Jadeja came in to bat when Saurashtra were 120 for three and had to steady the innings after another wicket fell at 151. He found an able partner in Prerak Mankad, with the pair putting together a 205-run stand for the fifth wicket to turn the innings around.Mankad scored 129 off 150 balls, hitting 15 fours and a six, while Jadeja struck seven boundaries in his patient knock. Their partnership took Saurashtra to 356 for five before Jadeja was caught and bowled by Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, his former Saurashtra teammate who is representing Chhattisgarh this season.The hundred was Jadeja's 16th in first-class cricket. It also gave Saurashtra a strong platform in their opening fixture after they exited the competition in the early stages last season. JADEJA BUILDS TOWARDS NEW ZEALAND TESTSJadeja's return to domestic cricket comes ahead of India's two-Test tour of New Zealand next month. Having featured in two matches during India's recent 2-1 ODI series win over West Indies, where he took two wickets without getting an opportunity to bat, the all-rounder will welcome time in the middle before returning to the Test side.India are scheduled to play the first Test in Wellington from November 19 to 23, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. The series will give Jadeja another opportunity to contribute with both bat and ball in the longest format. The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy began on October 11, with Saurashtra placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab and Tripura. After an early exit last season, Saurashtra will hope Jadeja's form helps them make a stronger push this time around.- Ends