Lucknow, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : Zeeshan Ansari is poised to make a significant return to the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team after a six-year absence. The leg-spinner has not played a Ranji Trophy match for the state since 2020, but his consistent performances in domestic cricket have earned him a spot for the upcoming season. Selectors have shown confidence in him, and the team announcement is expected soon.
The squad, led by captain Karan Sharma, includes notable players such as Rinku Singh, Aardhya Yadav, Aryan Juyal (wicketkeeper), Madhav Kaushik, Adarsh Singh, Siddharth Yadav, Prashantveer, Kartik Yadav, Ansari, Vansh Chaudhary, Yash Dayal, Kunal Tyagi, Priyam Garg, Abhinandan Singh, and Kartik Tyagi. Abhishek Goswami and Chikara have been named as stand-by players.
Ansari’s return is particularly noteworthy given that his career had appeared to falter after his first-class debut against Railways on October 6, 2017. Regarded as a promising young leg-spinner, he was part of India’s squad for the Under-19 World Cup in 2016 alongside Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. Limited opportunities at the state level hindered his progress, forcing him to seek alternatives.
In addition to regularly participating in local tournaments in Lucknow, Ansari also played league cricket in Kolkata, often seen in the Uttar Pradesh dressing room as a net bowler. Despite his close ties with the state team, he rarely got the chance to play until early 2025.
His breakthrough came during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he emerged as one of Uttar Pradesh’s most effective bowlers. In eight matches, he took 21 wickets at an impressive average of 16.52, showcasing his ability to break partnerships and perform under pressure.
Ansari’s skill in varying his pace and flight, along with timely deliveries of his googly, made him a potent threat, particularly on pitches favorable to batsmen. Although he debuted in the 2017-18 season for his state, the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy marked his first domestic 50-over tournament, highlighting the late recognition he received in white-ball cricket despite starting his career nearly a decade ago.
His remarkable performance of 21 wickets not only revitalized his career with Uttar Pradesh but also caught the attention of national selectors. He has since been included in the India A team for two unofficial Test matches against Sri Lanka A at the end of this month.
This call-up underscores the unique journey of Ansari’s career. While he has gained considerable attention in white-ball cricket over the last three years, his achievements in red-ball cricket remain limited, with only five first-class matches to his name, including Ranji Trophy games, where he has taken 17 wickets with a best performance of 3/33 against Tripura. This gap presents an opportunity for a bowler like Ansari, whose ability to spin the ball in both directions and his aggressive wrist-spin style adds a valuable dimension to the team.
Ansari’s return to the Ranji setup transcends mere statistics. After an impressive start with the India Under-19 team, his career faced challenges, but his relentless effort in local, league, and net-bowling opportunities has brought him back into the spotlight.
The 21 wickets he claimed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy served as a turning point. Now, after being away from Ranji cricket for six years, Ansari has a chance to establish himself in the red-ball format that initially provided him with a platform in senior cricket. His inclusion in the Uttar Pradesh team and subsequent call-up to India A indicates a rapid ascent for a player who was previously overlooked in state plans.
From being a potential player for the India Under-19 team in 2016 to struggling as a net bowler for state selection, Ansari’s career has taken an unexpected turn as he prepares for his return to Ranji cricket. His next challenge will be to translate his white-ball success into consistent performances in red-ball cricket, starting with Uttar Pradesh, the team where he began his first-class career on October 6, 2017.
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