Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra face tough tests in Elite Group C

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra start their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaigns in Chandigarh on Saturday when the Elite Group C fixtures get under way, and both sides will meet challenges from Kerala and Andhra.

Madhya Pradesh will be led by two-time IPL-winning captain Rajat Patidar and features a balanced roster that includes Avesh Khan, Kumar Kartikeya and Aniket Verma. Maharashtra’s batting unit contains Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is expected to join after his international duties, while Mukesh Choudhary is set to spearhead the pace attack.

Kerala return to the competition with Sanju Samson available and an aggressive top order that also comprises Rohan S. Kunnummal, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen, but the side will require improved bowling performances to contend with the group’s stronger opponents.

Andhra arrive with an intent to emulate last season’s run when they narrowly missed the final and bring experienced campaigners Ricky Bhui, Ashwin Hebbar, Shaik Rasheed, T. Vijay and Satyanarayana Raju as part of their squad; the team is aiming to recover from a disappointing Ranji campaign.

Himachal Pradesh are described as a team in transition and could rely on Nehal Wadhera for runs, while Assam are severely weakened by the absence of the injured Riyan Parag and must steady themselves after an indifferent Ranji Trophy showing. Pondicherry possess dangerous finishers in Shashank Singh and Aman Khan and are liable to cause upsets, and underdogs Tripura will look to Mandeep Singh and skipper Manishankar Murasingh for stability.

Weather and toss considerations could have a material effect on results: early seam movement is expected in day matches and heavy dew is forecast to influence play under lights, making the decision at the toss particularly important as the group stage begins on Saturday in Chandigarh.