Delhi announce SMAT 2026 squad featuring Ishant Sharma, Priyansh Arya

Delhi Name Ayush Badoni Captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced a 16-player squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026, appointing Ayush Badoni as captain. The selection combines promising young batters with an experienced pace group led by Ishant Sharma, while fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Mayank Yadav bring additional speed and attacking potential.

Delhi’s squad announcement has also drawn attention because experienced batter Nitish Rana is not included. His omission is one of the notable talking points ahead of the domestic T20 competition, which is scheduled to run from November 14 to December 6. With a demanding group-stage schedule and several established teams in their pool, Delhi will need their new captain and senior players to deliver a consistent campaign.

Delhi’s 16-Member SMAT 2026 Squad

The DDCA has selected a squad featuring batting depth, two wicketkeeping options and a varied bowling attack. Badoni will lead the side, with players such as Priyansh Arya, Yash Dhull and Anuj Rawat expected to contribute to the batting effort.

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

A Pace Attack Blending Experience and Speed

Delhi’s fast-bowling options are among the most eye-catching features of the selection. Ishant Sharma offers international experience and the ability to provide control with the new ball, while Harshit Rana brings an aggressive approach and the potential to make breakthroughs. Mayank Yadav adds another high-pace option, giving Delhi a bowling group capable of challenging batters through different phases of a T20 innings.

Simarjeet Singh provides further depth, while Keshav Dabas is another seam-bowling option in the squad. In the shortest format, such variety can be valuable: teams need bowlers who can take wickets early, limit scoring in the middle overs and execute under pressure at the death. Delhi’s combination gives captain Badoni several choices, although the final balance will depend on conditions and player availability.

The spin department features Suyash Sharma and Digvesh Rathi. Their role could be especially important against strong batting line-ups, as disciplined spin bowling can slow scoring and force opponents to take risks. The ability to combine pace with control in the middle overs may prove central to Delhi’s tournament prediction and overall prospects.

Batting Depth and Wicketkeeping Choices

Delhi have selected a group of batters with different levels of experience in domestic cricket. Badoni’s leadership will be accompanied by the presence of Priyansh Arya and Yash Dhull, while Anuj Rawat offers both wicketkeeping cover and a batting option. Tejasvi is also named as a wicketkeeper, giving the team flexibility when choosing its playing XI.

That depth may help Delhi adapt to match situations, whether they are setting a target or chasing one. In T20 cricket, a strong start can shape an entire innings, but teams also need batters capable of rebuilding after early wickets and accelerating late. Delhi’s selectors will be hoping the selected group can provide that balance throughout the competition.

Delhi’s SMAT 2026 Fixtures and Group Challenge

Delhi will begin its Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 14 in Indore. The team’s second match is scheduled against Punjab, also in Indore, on November 16. A positive start could help Delhi build momentum, but the group offers little room for complacency.

Delhi have been placed in Elite Group B alongside Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Saurashtra and Railways, as well as their opening opponent, Jammu and Kashmir. The tournament features 38 teams divided among four Elite Groups and one Plate Group. With a packed schedule and several competitive sides, every result could have a significant impact on the race for qualification.

For Badoni, the early fixtures will present an immediate test of his captaincy. He will need to manage a squad that includes experienced campaigners and emerging players, make effective use of the bowling options and keep the team’s performance steady across different conditions. Delhi’s ability to turn individual talent into consistent team results will be crucial.

Delhi’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Record

Delhi have won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy once, claiming the title in the 2017–18 season. Pradeep Sangwan captained the side as Delhi defeated Rajasthan by 41 runs in the final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The team also reached the semi-finals in 2009–10, but has not managed to add another trophy since its maiden triumph.

Recent campaigns have been challenging, despite Delhi having several capable players in their ranks. The 2026 squad offers a fresh opportunity to change that pattern. A strong pace attack gives the side a potentially significant advantage, while the batting group will need to provide the runs required to make that bowling strength count.

What to Watch in Delhi’s 2026 Campaign

The key questions ahead of the tournament include how quickly Badoni settles into the captaincy role, whether Delhi’s fast bowlers can stay fit and effective across the group stage, and how the batting order performs against high-quality opposition. The omission of Nitish Rana is another selection decision likely to be discussed, particularly if Delhi encounter difficulties in the middle order.

Delhi’s SMAT 2026 prediction will ultimately depend on consistency rather than reputation alone. Their blend of Ishant Sharma’s experience, the pace of Rana and Yadav, and a promising batting group gives them reasons for optimism. If the team starts well against Jammu and Kashmir and carries that form into the match against Punjab, Delhi could put itself in a strong position in Elite Group B—and move closer to ending its long wait for another Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.