Kerala open Ranji Trophy campaign against Jharkhand at Keenan Stadium on Sunday

Kerala begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Jharkhand at Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur on Sunday as the side aims for a positive start after a disappointing previous season.

Keenan Stadium, named after John Keenan, an American who served as a general manager and played a key role in the growth of Tata Steel, has hosted several notable international innings; Viv Richards struck a 99-ball 149 there for the West Indies against India in 1983, Sourav Ganguly scored a hundred in an Indian victory in 2000 against South Africa, and M.S. Dhoni fell four runs short of one against England six years later.

Kerala’s recent form carries contrasts: the team created history in 2024-25 by reaching the Ranji final, but finished fifth in a group of eight in the last edition, prompting calls for a stronger opening result this season.

This season Kerala are drawn in a group that includes Delhi, Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat, while Jharkhand come into the match after topping their pool and reaching the quarterfinals in the previous season.

The bowling department for Kerala has been bolstered by the returns of Jalaj Saxena and Aditya Sarwate, a combination the article says has sharpened the attack; coach Swapnil Asnodkar was pictured with Salman Nizar and Varun Nayanar during Kerala’s training session on the eve of the match in Jamshedpur (Photo Credit: P.K. Ajith Kumar).

On the batting front, the piece notes Sachin Baby’s experience and calmness as a positive, while naming Rohan Kunnummal, Vishnu, Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen as players who need greater consistency.

Jharkhand’s batting lineup features Shikhar Mohan, Sharandeep Singh and captain Virat Singh, but the hosts will miss the services of Kumar Kushagra, who is playing for India-A against Australia-A.

The Ranji Trophy fixture at Keenan Stadium on Sunday serves as Kerala’s opening match of the season against a Jharkhand side that advanced to last season’s quarterfinals.