Bihar Cricket Association has finalised a 17-member squad for the opening two fixtures of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign, reserving an additional six cricketers as standby options. Top-order batter Sakibul Gani has been handed the captaincy responsibilities, while Himanshu Singh has been appointed as his deputy. The squad is scheduled to commence its red-ball campaign on October 11, facing Uttar Pradesh in the opening round. This inaugural fixture will be staged at the newly constructed international cricket stadium in Rajgir, marking the official launch of the state's domestic cricket calendar.
Historic First Ranji Fixture at Rajgir
The upcoming match represents a significant milestone for regional sports, as Rajgir hosts an official Ranji Trophy clash for the very first time. Cricket followers across the state are eagerly anticipating the contest, given that the home side will be stepping onto this fresh turf for red-ball competition. Coming off a remarkable championship run in the Plate division last year, the team enters the new venue carrying positive momentum and looking to build on recent competitive progress.
Selection Overseen by BCCI Observers
The squad finalisation occurred under the direct observation of experienced selectors designated by the BCCI. The assessment panel featured Harvinder Singh, S. Sharath, and Amitabh Vijayvargiya, who evaluated the contenders based on recent match performance, technical readiness, and physical conditioning. Following this thorough evaluation process, the panel approved the 17-player contingent for the opening two matches, while simultaneously rolling out a backup roster alongside support personnel details.
Standby Pool and Support Staff Setup
To guard against injuries or sudden unavailability within the primary group, selectors named six reserve players who can step into the playing unit if necessary. The standby contingent consists of
- Nawaz Khan
- Malay Raj
- Danish Alam
- Tanu Kumar Singh
- Sachin Kumar Singh
- Prashant Kumar Singh
The team management structure has also been locked in. Ashutosh Aman steps into the role of head coach, assisted by Ashok Kumar. Medical care and injury prevention will be overseen by Dr. Hamendu as team physiotherapist, while Gopal Kumar handles strength and conditioning duties as trainer. The entire backroom staff is focused on the October 11 encounter, aiming to open the home leg on a winning note.
Plate Division Triumph and Elite Promotion
Bihar enjoyed a stellar run during the 2025-26 domestic calendar, capturing the Ranji Trophy Plate division title in commanding fashion. In the final played at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna, Bihar secured a resounding 568-run victory against Manipur. That decisive outcome not only earned them the division trophy but also sealed their qualification into the prestigious Elite group for the subsequent domestic cycle, setting the stage for bigger tests ahead.
