Patidar will look to lead MP from the front.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will face a tough challenge from Kerala and Andhra as the Elite Group C matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy begin here on Saturday.
Madhya Pradesh, led by two-time IPL-winning captain Rajat Patidar, boasts one of the most balanced squads in the group. Bolstered by the presence of Avesh Khan, Kumar Kartikeya and Aniket Verma, the side has ample firepower to get past obstacles.
Maharashtra has a good batting unit, featuring Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is expected to join after his international duties. With Mukesh Choudhary spearheading its pace attack, the team will look to justify its tag as one of the group favourites.
Kerala and Andhra can beat any side on their day. Kerala, boosted by the return of Sanju Samson, will rely on its explosive batting line-up also comprising Rohan S. Kunnummal, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen. It, however, needs its bowlers to step up against top-tier rivals.
Andhra will be looking to replicate its performance from last season when it narrowly missed the final. With experienced campaigners Ricky Bhui, Ashwin Hebbar, Shaik Rasheed, T. Vijay and Satyanarayana Raju in the team, Andhra will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing Ranji campaign.
Himachal Pradesh is a team in transition and could bank on Nehal Wadhera in batting. Assam is severely weakened by the absence of the injured Riyan Parag and needs to find its feet after an indifferent show in the Ranji Trophy. Pondicherry, with dangerous finishers in Shashank Singh and Aman Khan, can be pretty unpredictable while underdogs Tripura will lean on Mandeep Singh and skipper Manishankar Murasingh for stability.
The weather could prove decisive. With early seam movement expected in day matches and heavy dew set to play a role under lights, winning the toss will be critical.
Published – November 13, 2026 08:50 pm IST
