Overview
- Maharashtra announced a 16‑member squad and confirmed Prithvi Shaw as captain for their Elite Group C Ranji Trophy opener against Services, scheduled to start on October 11 in New Delhi.
- Regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad will miss the match because he has been named captain of India A for unofficial ODIs against Australia A set for October 6, 9 and 11 in Puducherry.
- The selected Maharashtra squad includes established players and recent arrivals such as Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mukesh Choudhary and Ankeet Bawane, plus newcomers Saurabh Navale, Sachin Dhas and Rishikesh Sonawane.
- Shaw moved to Maharashtra last season and was the team's leading run-scorer in 2025–26, giving him continuity and form as he steps into the leadership role.
- The scheduling overlap between India A limited‑overs fixtures and the Ranji start highlights a recurring selection challenge for state sides because 'A' tours often pull top players away from first‑class matches.