Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Bihar’s 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to lead in Elite Group B as Tamil Nadu and Delhi arrive with strong options

In Indore on November 13, 2026, Bihar’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set to lead his side in their opening two matches of Elite Group-B at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and will become the youngest captain in T20 cricket.

Tamil Nadu arrive with a roster that places emphasis on finding the right batting tempo while relying on a varied bowling unit; spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is noted as a key wicket-taking option who will be keen to work himself into rhythm with the ball.

At the top of Tamil Nadu’s order Tushar Raheja and Amith Sathvik are expected to provide an explosive start, while N. Jagadeesan is cited as needing greater intent and better acceleration through the middle overs; 20-year-old Andre Siddarth, who did not make the IPL 2026 auction shortlist, has a point to prove. Shahrukh Khan, after being released midway through a disappointing last season, has returned to form while leading Vida Kovai Kings to a third TNPL title. Sai Kishore, who played only three games for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, and M. Siddharth, who will aim to reproduce effective PowerPlay bowling and a frugal economy, add to the bowling options, alongside left-armer Gurjapneet Singh and the pace variety offered by Athisayaraj Davidson and R. Silambarasan.

Delhi, captained by Ayush Badoni, can call on a pace attack featuring Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, Ishant Sharma and Simarjeet Singh; Badoni’s recent form is highlighted as making him one to watch, while the omission of former captain Nitish Rana is described as a talking point.

Punjab’s Salil Arora arrives with runs under his belt and Umesh Yadav makes his first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy appearance for the State; Jammu & Kashmir’s Umran Malik is reported as keen to serve a reminder of his ability and potential. Haryana captain Ankit Kumar, the second-highest run-getter last season, is expected to look to resume from where he left off, and Yuzvendra Chahal and Rahul Tewatia are identified as the side’s two prominent names.

Saurashtra will rely on the experience of Jaydev Unadkat, while Railways bring an exciting prospect in Ravi Singh.

All of the teams and players mentioned will feature in Elite Group-B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with Sooryavanshi leading Bihar in their first two matches of the group stage.