Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Real life Jersey! Tamil Nadu spinner scripts dramatic comeback to Ranji Trophy after 10 years

After a decade away from the Tamil Nadu Ranji setup, left-arm spinner DT Chandrasekar made a brilliant comeback to first-class cricket, turning his story into a real-life version of Jersey. The 32-year-old, who last played a Ranji Trophy match in the 2015-16 season, returned to the field in Tamil Nadu’s opening fixture of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 against Jharkhand in Coimbatore.

On his return on Day 1 of the Tamil Nadu-Jharkhand clash at Coimbatore, the left-arm spinner finished with figures of 2 for 99 in 28 overs. Jharkhand, led by Ishan Kishan, ended the day at 307 for 6 after choosing to bat first. Chandrasekar dismissed Kumar Suraj (3) early and later stumped Kumar Kushagra (11) through wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan. Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Gurjapneet Singh (3/51) and Sandeep Warrier (1/50), supported Chandrasekar, providing the much-needed control in the middle overs.

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I am happy that TNCA has shown faith in me: DT Chandrasekar

For Chandrasekar, the call-up was a result of years of consistent performances in the TNCA First Division League and the Buchi Babu Tournament. A month ago, he made headlines by taking all 10 wickets in an innings for Sea Hawks against Globe Trotters.

Since making his debut for Tamil Nadu in 2015, he has bagged 18 wickets in five matches. Despite an impressive start, he fell out of the state selectors’ scheme of things. However, he continued featuring in the local circuit, picking over 450 wickets in TNCA’s first division since 2013. His performances in the 2024-25 and 2025 seasons included 59 wickets last season and 38 wickets so far this year, including three five-wicket hauls and a 10-for-37.

“Having done well (in the TNCA first division league) the season before last, I expected to play the Buchi Babu tournament, but was not considered. So, this year, I wasn’t very hopeful. But when I got selected to play for TNCA XI this year, I knew that if I did well, I had a chance to break into the Ranji squad. I was expecting the call. I have been performing well for the last three seasons. I am happy that TNCA has shown faith in me," he told DT Next..