Domestic cricket gets a superstar upgrade as Ravindra Jadeja gears up to don Saurashtra colors for the Ranji Trophy showdown with Punjab on January 22 at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. The all-round maestro’s return couldn’t come at a better time for his struggling state side.

Saurashtra Cricket Association chief Jaydev Shah shared the glad tidings after a direct call from Jadeja. ‘He assured us he’s available for the Punjab game, though plans beyond that are unclear,’ Shah told reporters. This marks Jadeja’s second domestic outing this season, following a single appearance against Madhya Pradesh.

Punjab’s camp strengthens too, with captain Shubman Gill reportedly heading to Rajkot. The young opener, sidelined all season, brings firepower to a team languishing at sixth place. Saurashtra holds fourth, both outfits eyeing playoffs with just two games remaining.

Jadeja’s post-T20I retirement schedule opens doors for more Ranji action, unburdened by national duties. Gill, similarly free from international calls—including snubs for New Zealand T20s and future World Cups—could play out the league stage.

As points tables tighten, this Rajkot battle blends individual brilliance with team redemption. Expect spin wizardry from Jadeja and elegant strokeplay from Gill to dominate headlines, potentially reshaping group dynamics in the season’s dying embers.