Andhra’s Confidence Soars: A New Era in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

After completing five rounds in the Ranji Trophy season, Andhra finds itself in second place in Group A with 22 points, trailing only domestic powerhouse Vidarbha by three points. In the overall standings, only Bengal (23 points) and Mumbai (24 points) have accumulated more.

Andhra’s campaign has been marked by significant victories, including dominant performances against Odisha and Jharkhand, as well as a notable four-wicket win over Tamil Nadu.

The team’s success can be attributed to contributions from both seasoned veterans and young talents. Among them, 21-year-old Shaik Rasheed has scored 440 runs with two centuries and two fifties. Abhishek Reddy, 31, has accumulated 447 runs, while 32-year-old K.S. Bharat has added 311 runs to the team’s tally.

In the bowling department, 32-year-old Saurabh Kumar has led with 23 wickets, supported by Tripurana Vijay, 24, with 14 wickets, and Kavuri Saiteja, 25, with 11 wickets.

Statistically, Andhra’s approach may not stand out, but their determination and persistence have been noteworthy. This newfound resilience is something the team credits to their new coach, Gary Stead.

“The environment he has fostered, along with his tactical approach, has been exceptional. Even when things aren’t going our way, he ensures we remain positive,” Andhra’s captain Ricky Bhui shared with Sportstar.

A significant shift has been made in player selection, focusing on player development rather than short-term performance. This change has provided players the assurance of being valued by the coach.

“In previous seasons, the team selection was swift, involving just a 10-day camp. This year, 30 players were invited to a pre-season camp. Gary took the time to understand each player’s style and capabilities,” remarked a team member.

This pre-season camp, which lasted 20 days, highlighted the importance of training intensity and fostered communication between players and staff.

K.V. Sasikanth added, “Even if things aren’t going well for us, the coach provides clarity and guidance. The players now have a clear understanding of their roles, which was not the case before.”

With forthcoming matches against the top team Vidarbha and the currently struggling Nagaland, Andhra remains cautiously optimistic.

“I genuinely feel this team has the potential to achieve something remarkable this year. Our aim is to top the group standings and then take it game by game to further capitalize on our strengths,” Ricky concluded.

Published on November 21, 2025.