Nitish Rana Takes the Helm for Delhi in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy; LSG’s Digvesh Rathi Omitted Despite IPL Retention
Nitish Rana has been appointed as the captain of the Delhi team for the upcoming 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which kicks off on November 26. Notably, wrist-spinner Digvesh Rathi has been left out of the squad. Delhi will compete in Elite Group D, facing teams such as Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with all matches scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad. This season marks Rana’s first appearance for Delhi after transferring from Uttar Pradesh, following a lackluster performance in the Ranji Trophy.
Team Composition and Key Players
Delhi’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Alongside captain Nitish Rana, who recently led West Delhi Lions to victory in the 2025 Delhi Premier League, the team includes established names like Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, and Himmat Singh. Rana’s impressive form in the DPL, where he scored 134, 45, and 79 in key matches, positions him as a crucial player for Delhi. His leadership will be vital, especially since the team aims to improve upon its previous performances, having won the trophy only once in the 2017-18 season.
The squad also welcomes Priyansh Arya and Suyash Sharma, who are joining after India A’s exit from the Rising Asia Cup. The selection committee, led by head coach Sarandeep Singh, has opted for several players who excelled in the Delhi Premier League, including Arpit Rana and Simarjeet Singh, indicating a focus on current form and potential.
Absences and Injury Concerns
The absence of Digvesh Rathi from the squad is notable, especially after his strong performance for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, where he took 14 wickets. His exclusion seems to stem from a disappointing showing in the DPL 2025, leading the selection committee to make a tough decision. Additionally, the participation of Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini remains uncertain due to ongoing injury concerns. Sharma is currently rehabilitating at the BCCI CoE facility in Bengaluru, while Saini’s injury has limited his appearances in the Ranji Trophy.
All-rounder Harshit Rana’s selection is also conditional, as he is being considered for India’s upcoming white-ball series against South Africa. The team is looking to finalize its lineup as they prepare for the tournament.
Upcoming Matches and Expectations
Delhi’s matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will take place in Ahmedabad, where they will face a challenging lineup in Elite Group D. The team is set to depart for Ahmedabad either Sunday evening or Monday morning, aiming to make a strong impression in the tournament. With a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, Delhi hopes to leverage their collective skills to advance further in the competition.
As the tournament approaches, the focus will be on how well the team can gel under Rana’s captaincy and whether they can overcome the setbacks of previous seasons. The upcoming matches will be crucial for establishing Delhi’s standing in the tournament and setting the tone for future competitions.
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