Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Round 4: Delhi Aims for Home Glory Against J&K with Badoni Back in Play

In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, Delhi’s home games have not produced the expected outcomes. Despite securing first-innings points against Himachal Pradesh in the second round, Delhi couldn’t secure an outright victory. The match against Pondicherry in the third round ended in a draw, with the visitors gaining the upper hand by taking the lead.

With just one more home game left at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi needs to capitalize on its home conditions as it faces Jammu & Kashmir in Group D starting Saturday.

Team captain Ayush Badoni is back in action after missing the previous match due to his participation in the first four-day game between India-A and South Africa-A held in Bengaluru.

Also in cricket news, Mumbai is looking to regain its form at home against Himachal Pradesh in Round 4 Read more here.

Delhi will be without Priyansh Arya, who made his First-Class debut in the last match. The 24-year-old has been selected for the India-A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, commencing on November 14.

On Friday, the pitch at the stadium showed grassy patches, but it has usually flattened out as matches progress. If this trend continues over the next four days, Delhi’s bowlers will need to significantly elevate their performance.

For Jammu & Kashmir, medium-pacer Auqib Nabi’s ability to take wickets will be crucial. The 29-year-old from Baramulla has been in outstanding form, claiming 19 wickets in three matches with a strike rate of 31.4.

“Auqib keeps things simple and can move the ball both ways with his inswingers and outswingers,” J&K captain Paras Dogra stated on Friday. “He’s a great talent who knows his craft well. Consistency is his forte, and he doesn’t give away runs even when not taking wickets.”

Published on Nov 07, 2025