Uday Saharan says he is ‘clear’ on his path as Punjab pause Ranji campaign

Uday Saharan, captain of Punjab, said he is clear about his path in New Chandigarh on November 07, 2026 during the Ranji Trophy, as the provincial side heads into a mid-season break.

Punjab have recorded one outright win, three draws and 13 points and occupy third place in their Ranji Trophy group after the first phase of matches.

In their most recent match against Andhra, Punjab were 71 for five on day one before recovering to declare at 592 for nine, but the hosts could not take the remaining wickets on the final day to secure a first-innings lead.

Reflecting on that recovery, Saharan said: “When you are 71 for five, you hope and think anything around 200 or 250 would be good. But to score 592, that’s a big thing.” He admitted to disappointment at missing the lead and rejected the notion of blaming his bowlers, adding: “It wasn’t turning, and it wasn’t seaming. So, I think it would be a bit harsh on the bowlers if I told them to go and take 20 wickets,” he said.

The 22-year-old outlined how he separates approaches between formats, describing different mental requirements for red-ball and white-ball cricket and the way he plans his innings across formats. “In red ball, I am really clear about my plans. How do I operate? How do I go in? How do I set up my innings? In the white ball, it’s all about a clear mindset,” he said.

Saharan has also participated in IPL trials with Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, a pathway he confirmed when asked: “Yes, I have given [trials],” he said, as attention shifts briefly away from the Ranji schedule.

With the Ranji season taking a two-month break and the mini-auction approaching in December, the red-ball campaign will not resume until January, leaving Saharan focused on opportunities in the shorter formats ahead of the competition’s restart.