After a decade away from the Tamil Nadu Ranji system, left-arm spinner DT Chandrasekar returned to first-class cricket with a bang, transforming his narrative into a real-life Jersey. The 32-year-old, who last played a Ranji Trophy match in the 2015-16 season, will take the field against Jharkhand in Tamil Nadu’s first Ranji Trophy 2025-26 encounter at Coimbatore.
On Day 1 of the Tamil Nadu-Jharkhand battle in Coimbatore, the left-arm spinner concluded with 2 for 99 in 28 overs. Jharkhand, headed by Ishan Kishan, finished the day on 307 for 6 after opting to bat first. Chandrasekar dismissed Kumar Suraj (3) early and then stumped Kumar Kushagra (11) via wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan.
Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack, led by Gurjapneet Singh (3/51) and Sandeep Warrier (1/50), backed up Chandrasekar, providing much-needed control in the middle overs.
Watch the video below:
After 3️⃣,6️⃣0️⃣4️⃣ days, D T Chandrasekar is back in Ranji Trophy and strikes his first wicket of the season! 🏏#TNvJHA #RanjiTrophy #TamilNaduCricket #TNCA #TNCricket pic.twitter.com/vPkbU9QWhT
— TNCA (@TNCACricket) October 15, 2025
I am happy that TNCA has shown faith in me: DT Chandrasekar
For Chandrasekar, the call-up was a result of years of consistent performances in the TNCA First Division League and the Buchi Babu Tournament. A month ago, he made headlines by taking all 10 wickets in an innings for Sea Hawks against Globe Trotters.
Since making his debut for Tamil Nadu in 2015, he has bagged 18 wickets in five matches. Despite an impressive start, he fell out of the state selectors’ scheme of things. However, he continued featuring in the local circuit, picking over 450 wickets in TNCA’s first division since 2013. His performances in the 2024-25 and 2025 seasons included 59 wickets last season and 38 wickets so far this year, including three five-wicket hauls and a 10-for-37.
“Having done well (in the TNCA first division league) the season before last, I expected to play the Buchi Babu tournament, but was not considered. So, this year, I wasn’t very hopeful. But when I got selected to play for TNCA XI this year, I knew that if I did well, I had a chance to break into the Ranji squad. I was expecting the call. I have been performing well for the last three seasons. I am happy that TNCA has shown faith in me,” he told DT Next.
India
