Cricket News / Odisha’s Ranji Reset: Can Two Out-Of-State Players Fix Red-Ball Woes?

Kataka, Aug 10: The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has begun preparations for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season with a 33-member camp featuring a mix of experienced players and young talent.

The OCA has also inducted Lalit Yadav from Vidarbha and Ninad Rathva from Baroda into the Odisha setup as part of its preparations for the upcoming domestic season.

The move comes as Odisha seeks to improve its performances in recent Ranji Trophy campaigns, particularly in red-ball cricket.

Focus on Red-Ball Cricket
Odisha head coach Prabhanjan Mallick said the inclusion of the two players was aimed at helping local cricketers improve their skills.

"We have not been doing well for the last 4-5 years, especially in red-ball cricket. I am specifically focusing on red ball. A lot of emphasis has been given to enhance the fitness of the squad. The boys are practising well. We have inducted two players from Vidarbha and Baroda," Mallick said.

He said the current camp comprises 33 players, from whom 15 will eventually be selected for the main Ranji Trophy squad.

The camp also includes players from Odisha's under-19 and under-23 groups, with the OCA placing emphasis on developing young talent.

"There are 33 players now, out of which 15 will be selected for the main squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy. There is a good mix of experience and youth in the camp," Mallick said.'

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'No Shortage of Local Talent'
Mallick stressed that the inclusion of Yadav and Rathva should not be viewed as an indication of a lack of talent among Odisha players.


"We have a good team. It is a mix of senior and junior players. We are hopeful of performing well. The two players from outside Odisha are playing for the team to enhance the skills of Odisha players. There is no shortage of talent among Odisha players," he said.

Mallick as Head Coach
Former Odisha cricketer Mallick has taken charge as the team's head coach this season, with an emphasis on improving the team's performance and strengthening the squad's fitness.

The OCA has previously appointed coaches from outside the state, including former international cricketers Michael Bevan, Saba Karim, Venkatesh Prasad, Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Mongia. Surendra Bhave also served as coach during the previous season.

With the new Ranji Trophy season approaching, the 33-member camp will form the basis for selecting Odisha's final 15-member squad, while the inclusion of Yadav and Rathva will add another dimension to the team's preparations.