Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Sooryavanshi in focus; Tamil Nadu, Delhi have the tools to succeed

INDORE The spotlight would be on Bihar’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Elite Group-B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 15-year-old is set to lead his side in its opening two matches and become the youngest captain in T20 cricket. Tamil Nadu’s campaign could hinge on how its batting order finds the right tempo.

Tushar Raheja and Amith Sathvik promise an explosive opening combination, but N. Jagadeesan would have to show greater intent and better acceleration through the middle overs. The 20-year-old Andre Siddarth, who did not make the IPL 2026 auction shortlist, has a point to prove.

Shahrukh Khan, released midway through a disappointing last season, has worked his way back into form while leading Vida Kovai Kings to a third TNPL title and would be keen to carry that momentum forward. Sai Kishore, who played only three games for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, would see this as an opportunity to make himself difficult to overlook. M.