Ranji Trophy 2025-26: A look at the top 5 emerging pacers who are redefining India’s domestic fast-bowling scene.
India’s Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season has been notable for a fresh influx of fast-bowling talent, especially among younger players determined to make their mark. Five standout names, Aryan Pandey (Madhya Pradesh), Aaqib Khan (Uttar Pradesh), Sakib Hussain (Bihar), Jatin Pandey (Jharkhand), and Eden Apple Tom (Kerala), have already drawn national attention, thanks to their notable performances.
Aryan Pandey (Madhya Pradesh)
At just 21, Aryan Pandey has emerged as one of Madhya Pradesh’s most promising pace all-rounders, boasting a right-arm medium-fast style and a determined approach. Born in Jabalpur, he combines aggressive swing with sturdy lower-order batting, giving his team crucial breakthroughs and runs.
Aryan has played nine first-class matches, picking up 20 wickets at an economy rate of 2.76 and a bowling average of 26.45, with a best of 4/47. He has three 3-wicket hauls and regularly troubles top-order batters with his ability to swing the new ball even in domestic Indian conditions.
His notable performances include taking 3/31 against Kerala and consistent breakthroughs in the matches against Bengal and Saurashtra. His background is firmly rooted in the cricketing culture of central India, where he trained at multiple state academies before stepping up for MP in senior cricket. Beyond the numbers, Aryan’s energy in the field and willingness to bowl long spells have made him an asset in pressure situations.
Read More: Top 5 youngsters to watch out for in Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Aaqib Khan (Uttar Pradesh)
Aaqib Khan, hailing from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is another prodigious right-arm fast-medium bowler. He made his first-class debut in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy but hit a new level of maturity and consistency in 2025-26.
He has played 17 first-class matches to date, capturing 46 wickets at an average of 28.30 and an economy rate of 3.29. His best bowling figures are 5/42, and he has two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, making him an invaluable weapon in UP’s pace attack over recent seasons.
Aaqib’s key strengths include a smooth run-up, ability to hit back-of-length consistently, and a deceptive outswinger that troubles left-handed batters. He was formerly part of India’s Under-19 setup, and his journey from grassroots to state cricket involved overcoming limited training facilities in Saharanpur before benefiting from UPCA’s emerging player programmes.
Aaqib has often picked wickets at pivotal junctions, notably against elite teams like Mumbai and Saurashtra in this year’s fixtures. His focus on fitness and tactical intelligence makes him one of the most exciting young quicks in the Ranji circuit.
Sakib Hussain (Bihar)
Few pacers in first-class cricket in recent times have matched the impact of Sakib Hussain from Bihar. Born in 2004 in Gopalganj, he grabbed headlines this season with a blistering 6/41 in his opening game against Arunachal Pradesh at the historic Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna, where he single-handedly dismantled the opposition and guided Bihar to a strong position.
Sakib bagged 10 wickets in the match. His aggressive bowling, ability to generate movement off the seam, and relentless pace, often clocked around 140 km/h, are standout attributes.
From modest origins, Sakib honed his skills on local grounds in Gopalganj before earning selection for state trials. He is noted not just for his pace but his attacking attitude while bowling with the new ball. Off the field, Sakib is known for his discipline and strong work ethic, inspired by senior Bihar pacers and national icons.
Read More: Next gen spinners on India’s domestic scene
Jatin Pandey (Jharkhand)
Jatin Pandey, a seamer from Jharkhand, debuted in the current season against Tamil Nadu and impressed with disciplined bowling and critical lower-order runs. Aged 21, he’s a right-arm medium pacer whose bowling average and economy have made him a dependable figure in the Jharkhand squad.
While his wicket tally is still growing, Jatin’s standout spell this season came in an intense contest against Vidarbha, where he bowled long spells and kept run-scoring in check, a crucial role for a young bowler.
Off the pitch, Jatin’s story mirrors many of Jharkhand’s emerging talents: early cricket in district tournaments, rapid progress through the junior ranks, and focused coaching that developed swing and control. He is recognised for his composure at the crease and his ability to break partnerships.
Eden Apple Tom (Kerala)
Kerala’s Eden Apple Tom encapsulates the state’s growing reputation for producing quality seam bowlers. Just 20 years old, Eden burst into public notice during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final and continued his form into the current season as a pace-bowling all-rounder.
As of the 2025-26 campaign, he has played three first-class matches and taken 11 wickets at an average of 28.55, with a best match haul of 4/41. Bowling right-arm medium, Eden is noted for his ability to swing the ball and maintain consistent lines to both right and left-handers.
He has also made valuable contributions with the lower-order batting quite often. Raised in Kerala’s cricketing academies, Eden is also praised for his athleticism and adaptability, often starring in List-A and T20 competitions, proving himself as one of the most versatile prospects in India’s domestic structure.
Each of these bowlers, from different states, is shaping to be a contender for higher honours. Their journeys so far are testimonies to the expanding opportunities provided by India’s domestic circuit.
Read More: Top 5 emerging fast bowlers in India’s domestic circuit
