Madhya Pradesh name Rajat Patidar captain for SMAT 2026-27

Madhya Pradesh name Rajat Patidar captain for SMAT 2026-27

Rajat Patidar Named Madhya Pradesh Captain for 2026–27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Rajat Patidar will lead Madhya Pradesh in the 2026–27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), with the state side preparing for one of Indian domestic cricket’s most competitive T20 tournaments. The appointment gives the experienced batter another leadership assignment after his recent success as a captain, although his availability could become a key question during the opening stages of the competition.

The tournament begins on November 14, while Patidar is expected to join India A for the Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, scheduled from November 19 to 29. His potential absence means Madhya Pradesh may need to rely on its other senior players to lead on the field and maintain momentum in the group stage.

Patidar’s Leadership Role Could Be Interrupted

Patidar’s selection as Madhya Pradesh captain was widely anticipated. He has built a reputation as a composed leader and a dependable top-order batter, and his recent achievements have strengthened his standing in Indian cricket. He has also been named vice-captain of India A, which will be led by Tilak Varma at the Rising Stars Asia Cup.

The overlapping schedules create a practical challenge for Madhya Pradesh. The state team opens its campaign against Kerala in a day-night fixture at New Chandigarh on November 14, just five days before the India A tournament begins. If Patidar is unavailable for part of SMAT, the squad will need to adjust quickly, particularly in close matches where decisions around batting order, bowling changes and field placements can shape the result.

His absence would be significant, but it could also provide an opportunity for other players to establish themselves. A strong start without the captain would help Madhya Pradesh build confidence and avoid placing too much responsibility on Patidar when he returns, if his schedule allows.

Madhya Pradesh’s Batting Depth Offers Encouragement

Madhya Pradesh have named several promising batters who could play important roles in the fast-paced T20 format. Akshat Raghuwanshi, Harsh Gawli and Aniket Verma are among the players expected to contribute with the bat, while Patidar remains the squad’s most experienced headline name.

Gawli is listed as a wicketkeeper-batter, giving the side an option who can contribute both behind the stumps and in the batting order. Apoorv Dwivedi is the other wicketkeeping choice. The presence of two designated wicketkeepers gives the team flexibility when finalising its playing XI, depending on conditions and the balance required between specialist batters and bowlers.

In T20 cricket, a deep batting line-up is valuable not only for setting a competitive total but also for recovering from early wickets. Madhya Pradesh’s younger batters will need to balance attacking intent with match awareness, especially on unfamiliar pitches or in high-pressure chases. Their ability to rotate the strike and target the right bowlers may prove just as important as hitting boundaries.

Avesh Khan to Head the Bowling Attack

India fast bowler Avesh Khan is expected to spearhead Madhya Pradesh’s pace attack. His experience at the highest level could be particularly useful in the powerplay and at the death, when captains must manage field restrictions, changing match-ups and the risk of conceding quick runs.

Avesh will be supported by Mangesh Yadav, Tripuresh Singh and Rahul Batham, with the squad also featuring a varied group of spin options. Left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya Singh, off-spinner Saransh Jain and left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar give Madhya Pradesh several ways to challenge opposing batters through the middle overs. Shivam Shukla is also included among the bowling options.

This variety could be an important advantage in a tournament where teams often play across different conditions. The ability to switch between pace, orthodox spin and wrist-spin can disrupt a batter’s rhythm and make it harder for opponents to settle into a predictable scoring pattern.

Kuldeep Sen and Madhav Tiwari Missing from the Squad

Fast bowler Kuldeep Sen is among the notable players left out of the squad, reportedly because of an injury. The nature and severity of the issue have not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty over his availability for the season. His absence reduces Madhya Pradesh’s pace-bowling options, making the fitness and workload management of the selected quicks especially important.

Pace-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari has also not been included. Tiwari attracted attention through his appearances for Delhi Capitals in the 2026 Indian Premier League and his performances for Ujjain Falcons in the Madhya Pradesh League T20 Scindia Cup. His omission may surprise some supporters, though squad selection can depend on team balance, current form, fitness and the roles coaches want to fill.

SMAT Prediction: What Madhya Pradesh Must Get Right

Madhya Pradesh have enough batting options and bowling variety to compete strongly, but their campaign may depend on how well they handle the possibility of Patidar’s unavailability. A reliable start against Kerala would be valuable, particularly if the captain has to depart for India A duties soon after the tournament begins.

The team’s prediction will also rest on whether its younger batters can convert promising starts into substantial scores and whether the bowling group can control the final overs. Avesh Khan’s experience, combined with the different styles of spin available, gives the side a promising foundation. However, T20 results can turn quickly, and execution under pressure will matter more than reputation alone.

If Madhya Pradesh’s emerging players step up and the senior bowling attack delivers consistently, the side could become a difficult opponent in the 2026–27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Patidar’s leadership remains a major asset, but the squad’s depth will be tested early in the competition.

Madhya Pradesh Squad for the 2026–27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Ankush Singh, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Harsh Gawli (wicketkeeper), Rajat Patidar (captain), Aniket Verma, Ritik Tada, Apoorv Dwivedi (wicketkeeper), Saransh Jain, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Shivam Shukla, Shivang Kumar, Avesh Khan, Tripuresh Singh, Rahul Batham and Mangesh Yadav.

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