Mayank Yadav, Ishant Sharma Named in Delhi SMAT Squad as Nitish Rana Misses Out

Key points

1. Delhi announced a 16-member squad for the 2026 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on November 6, with Ayush Badoni named captain.
2. Fast bowlers Mayank Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Harshit Rana and Simarjeet Singh are included in the squad.
3. Former Delhi captain Nitish Rana has been left out while recovering from a hamstring injury and a subsequent left quadriceps strain.
4. Rana has not played since sustaining the hamstring injury during the third T20I against England and later suffered a quadriceps strain during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on September 7.
5. Delhi are in Elite Group B, with all their group matches scheduled in Indore.
6. Delhi begin their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 14, followed by matches against Punjab, Bihar, Saurashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Railways.
7. Ayush Badoni scored 559 runs in four matches during the first phase of the Ranji Trophy at an average of 111.8, including scores of 210 not out and 217.

Mayank Yadav and veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma have been included in Delhi’s 16-member squad for the 2026 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while former captain Nitish Rana has been left out. The Delhi and District Cricket Association announced the squad on November 6, with batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni appointed captain for the domestic T20 competition beginning on November 14.

The pace group also features Harshit Rana and Simarjeet Singh, giving Delhi a mix of international experience and younger fast-bowling options. Rana’s omission comes as he continues his recovery from injuries that have kept him out of competitive cricket for several months.

Nitish Rana misses out during injury recovery

Nitish Rana has not played since suffering a hamstring injury during the third T20I against England, which ruled him out of that series. He subsequently sustained a left quadriceps strain during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 7, extending his rehabilitation period.

According to IANS, Rana could potentially play one match for Delhi if his fitness allows, as the team assesses his readiness following rehabilitation. He has also been named in the India A squad for the Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup, a 50-over tournament scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29.

Rana had captained Delhi in the previous edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, when the team did not progress beyond the group stage. His absence from the 2026 squad is therefore a notable change, although the injury situation provides context for his non-selection.

Mayank Yadav and Ishant lead the pace options

Mayank Yadav’s inclusion is a significant boost to Delhi’s fast-bowling resources. He recently featured in two matches of India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand and returned figures of 3 for 48 in the fourth game, according to PTI reports.

Ishant Sharma’s selection adds a substantial amount of experience to the attack. The veteran right-arm pacer has played more than 100 Test matches and is set to continue representing Delhi in domestic white-ball cricket. Harshit Rana and Simarjeet Singh complete the group of specialist fast bowlers named in the 16-player squad.

Delhi’s spin options include leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi. Mayank Rawat and Keshav Dabas are listed as all-rounders, while the batting group includes Badoni, Priyansh Arya, Sarthak Ranjan, Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja and Himmat Singh. Anuj Rawat and Tejasvi are the two wicketkeepers.

Badoni takes charge after strong Ranji form

Badoni’s appointment as captain follows an impressive first phase of the Ranji Trophy. He scored 559 runs in four matches at an average of 111.8, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in that phase. His tally included an unbeaten 210 and a score of 217 against Gujarat and Jharkhand respectively.

The all-rounder will lead a squad that combines established names with younger players who have featured in Delhi’s recent domestic campaigns. The selectors will hope that the balance of batting depth, spin options and a varied pace attack can help the side improve on its group-stage performance from the previous season.

Delhi’s Elite Group B fixtures

Delhi have been placed in Elite Group B alongside Bihar, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Railways, Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu. All of the group matches are scheduled to be played in Indore. Delhi open their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 14.

Their remaining league fixtures are against Punjab on November 16, Bihar on November 18, Saurashtra on November 20, Haryana on November 22, Tamil Nadu on November 24 and Railways on November 26. The schedule gives Badoni’s team a sequence of matches across a 13-day period in the group stage.

Delhi have won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy once, in the 2017-18 season under Pradeep Sangwan. The 2026 campaign will give the side an opportunity to pursue a second title, with the squad announcement placing attention on Badoni’s leadership and the availability of the fast-bowling group.

Delhi squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026

Ayush Badoni (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sarthak Ranjan, Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Tejasvi (wicketkeeper), Anuj Rawat (wicketkeeper), Himmat Singh, Mayank Rawat, Keshav Dabas, Suyash Sharma, Digvesh Rathi, Ishant Sharma, Harshit Rana, Mayank Yadav and Simarjeet Singh.