Punjab begin Ranji Trophy campaign against Assam at New Chandigarh

Punjab open their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season against Assam at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Sunday. Assam collected only three points last season and narrowly avoided relegation to the Plate division.

Punjab have appointed Amit Uniyal as head coach and handed the captaincy to 22-year-old Uday Saharan for the full campaign. International call-ups have ruled out Prabhsimran Singh and Naman Dhir for the first two rounds, giving Harnoor Singh Pannu another opportunity at the top of the order.

Umesh Yadav makes his debut for Punjab and will lead the pace attack alongside Gurnoor Brar. Assam retain their leading run-scorers from last season but will miss left-arm spinner Rahul Singh.