Photo courtesy : BCCI Domestic / ESPNcricinfo / MCA Media Team
October 2025 – Trivandrum & Chandigarh away block
Maharashtra continued its powerful start to the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy with two important away performances in October. After a disciplined showing in Trivandrum (15–18 Oct) that produced a valuable first-innings advantage, Maharashtra travelled to Chandigarh (25–28 Oct) and secured a convincing 144-run victory to collect full points and build momentum in Elite Group B.
Quick recap — the results
- 15–18 Oct (Trivandrum) — Kerala vs Maharashtra (Sports Hub International Cricket Stadium): Maharashtra secured a decisive first-innings lead and left with important points from a tightly fought match.
- 25–28 Oct (Chandigarh) — Chandigarh vs Maharashtra (Sector-16 Stadium): Maharashtra won comprehensively, enforcing pressure with a proactive declaration and clinical bowling to close out the fixture.
Both results underline the squad’s balance: attacking batting, disciplined bowling, and match-aware captaincy. These wins reflect comprehensive preparation and the depth of the wider MCA system – academies, video analysis, S&C, medical support, and a full coaching bench.
Strategic significance – MCA’s Ranji ambition
MCA’s objective this season is unambiguous: win the Ranji Trophy. These early away performances are not merely encouraging they are tactical stepping stones in a season-long campaign. The Chandigarh victory demonstrated Maharashtra’s ability to set and defend a large target, a vital attribute for any title-chasing side. MCA’s leadership and coaching setup have made it clear that the association is accelerating investments in player development, high-performance resources, and match operations to match this ambition. The appointment of Shaun Williams as Director of Cricket and Head Coach is a central pillar in that strategy bringing international coaching experience, robust performance frameworks, and proven methods for turning talented squads into champions.
New coach, new energy – Shaun Williams & fresh faces
The arrival of Shaun Williams has injected a fresh competitive intensity into the squad. Williams’ international exposure and previous success in domestic setups will be directed at sharpening Maharashtra’s red-ball approach: longer partnerships, disciplined bowling plans, and a stronger bench to endure the long season.
Several new and reintroduced players have already shown signs of form under the new coaching regime. The combination of experienced campaigners and hungry younger players creates a balanced roster that can adapt to varying pitch and match conditions – a necessity for a Ranji campaign that stretches across months and venues.
Operational excellence – the engine behind performance
Maharashtra’s touring success reflects more than on-field skill. The MCA operations team executed complex logistics – cross-country travel, hotel blocks, practice net allocation, and recovery protocols – with minimal disruption. Video analysts produced rapid-turnaround reports for the coaching team; physio and S&C staff managed player workloads; scorers and match officials were coordinated seamlessly; and anti-doping and welfare protocols were strictly adhered to. This end-to-end support is foundational to any title bid.
What lies ahead – crucial fixtures & the path to the finals
Maharashtra now returns to a demanding home and away schedule. Key upcoming fixtures include matches against Karnataka, Punjab, Goa, and other Elite Group opponents — each a critical test on the path toward the knockout stages and the finals. The roadmap is clear:
- Consolidate bench strength and maintain fitness under Shaun Williams’ programme.
- Use home blocks to maximize pitch advantage and convert momentum into points.
- Maintain high standards of player welfare, analysis, and match preparation for the long haul.
MCA will treat each block as an opportunity to refine tactics, identify clutch performers for knockout pressure, and scale the professional support systems that allow players to focus on performance.
Broader impact – district development & talent pipeline
Success at Ranji level strengthens MCA’s broader narrative: it drives greater visibility, attracts sponsor interest, and validates the investment in district-level academies and youth programmes. The association’s focus on continuous district upgrades, talent identification, and coaching clinics ensures that this season’s performance has long-term multiplier effects – producing the next generation of Ranji-ready players.
Final word
Maharashtra’s early results are promising, but the Ranji Trophy is a marathon. With Shaun Williams steering the cricket plan, a committed operations and support framework, and a squad blending experience with rising talent, MCA is pushing hard and fast toward its Ranji objective. The board, coaching staff and players know the route: methodical preparation, relentless execution, and an unwavering focus on the finals.
Congratulations to the squad and the entire MCA team for strong away performances – now the real campaign begins at home and on the road toward Ranji glory.