The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 enters its fifth round with a match between Ishan Kishan-led Jharkhand and Kerala in Ahmedabad. Jharkhand, the reigning Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy champions, have won their last three matches and are third in Elite Group A. Kerala has experienced an inconsistent campaign with two wins, and their participation of star player Sanju Samson remains uncertain due to upcoming international series.