Maharashtra names Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season

In a recent move in domestic cricket, the Maharashtra Cricket Association has revealed their preliminary 28-man senior men’s team for the Ranji Trophy in 2024–25.

The captaincy change is a big change in the team. The Maharashtra Cricket Association has officially announced that it has decided to remove veteran Ankit Bawne, 31, from his position as team captain.

The team’s new captain is Ruturaj Gaikwad, an Indian batter.

The decision was predictable for two main reasons: first, Maharashtra performed poorly under Bawne’s leadership, missing out on the playoffs in three of his four seasons in charge; and second, Gaikwad was given the priceless chance to experience captaincy in the Indian Premier League 2024, thanks to MS Dhoni’s mentorship and support.

New season, new squad! Here’s our probable team for the upcoming Ranji Trophy Season 2024-25. The stage is set for another thrilling season!#mca #maharashtracricketassociation #ranjitrophy #squadannouncement #maharashtracricket #cricket #ruturajgaikwad pic.twitter.com/DfdYtllcVC

— Maharashtra Cricket Association (@MahaCricket) July 25, 2024

When the 89th Ranji Trophy begins in October, Sulakshan Kulkarni, the previous head coach of Tamil Nadu, who guided the team to the final of the renowned premier domestic red-ball event in 2024, will take up his first role with the team. The former domestic cricket player will lead the team for the first two years of his appointment as head coach.

Arshin Kulkarni, a young and talented all-round player, is one of the 28 players in the tentative roster. This team will be further trimmed down as the event draws near. In his lone first-class encounter, Kulkarni—who made his IPL debut in 2024—scored 2 and 58 while taking 2 for 58 and collecting 2/41. This season, he should be a player to keep an eye on.

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Rahul Tripathi, who competed for Goa in the 2024 Ranji Trophy, has also been added to the tentative lineup and is anticipated to play a key role in the team moving forward.