Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw named in Maharashtra's 18-man Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad
Synopsis
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw headline Maharashtra's 18-man Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad, but no captain has been named yet — and Gaikwad's availability for the opening fixture is uncertain given his ongoing ODI duties with India in New Zealand. Ramakrishna Ghosh's comeback from an IPL 2026 foot fracture adds an intriguing subplot.
Key Takeaways
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw are the headline names in Maharashtra's 18-member Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad .
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has yet to name a captain; the announcement is expected within days.
Gaikwad is on India ODI duty in New Zealand until 15 November , casting doubt on his availability for the opening game on 14 November .
Mukesh Choudhary is set to lead the pace attack after featuring for India A in the ongoing red-ball series.
All-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh makes a comeback after a foot fracture ended his IPL 2026 season with Chennai Super Kings .
Maharashtra play in Elite Group C , with seven matches in Mohali and New Chandigarh from 14–26 November 2026 .
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw, two of domestic cricket's most recognisable names, headline an 18-member Maharashtra squad announced for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026. The squad, selected by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), will contest all its group stage matches in Mohali and New Chandigarh between 14 November and 26 November 2026.
No Captain Named Yet
Notably, the MCA has refrained from naming a captain alongside the squad announcement, though the captaincy decision is expected to be confirmed in the coming days. Gaikwad is currently on national duty with the Indian team for the ODI series against New Zealand, which concludes on 15 November in Mount Maunganui — leaving his availability for the tournament's opening fixture on 14 November in question.
Batting Firepower and Key All-Rounders
Beyond the marquee duo of Gaikwad and Shaw, the batting unit features Rahul Tripathi, Sahil Parakh, and Siddhesh Veer, with Arshin Kulkarni providing batting depth as an all-rounder. Left-arm pacer Mukesh Choudhary — who was selected for the India A red-ball series against New Zealand — is expected to spearhead the pace attack. Left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal is set to play a central role through the middle overs.
Ramakrishna Ghosh's Comeback Trail
Seam-bowling all-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh is in line for a return to competitive cricket, having been sidelined by a foot fracture that cut short his participation with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026. His presence adds depth to the bowling attack as he looks to rebuild match fitness ahead of the IPL cycle. The full squad also includes Suraj Shinde, Tanay Sanghvi, Kiran Chormale, Ranjit Nikam, Pradeep Dadhe, Rushikesh Sonavne, Vivek Shelar, Hitesh Walunj, and Prashant Solanki.
Maharashtra's Group Stage Schedule
Placed in Elite Group C, Maharashtra open their campaign against Puducherry in Mohali on 14 November. They then face Kerala in New Chandigarh on 16 November, followed by Himachal Pradesh on 18 November and Assam on 20 November. Their remaining group matches are against Madhya Pradesh on 22 November, Tripura on 24 November, and Andhra on 26 November. With a squad blending national-level talent and experienced domestic stalwarts, Maharashtra will be among the stronger contenders in their group as the tournament gets under way.
Point of View
Maharashtra effectively open a high-stakes domestic tournament without their talismanic batter and without a confirmed leader. For a side with the depth to compete deep in the knockout rounds, that administrative gap is worth watching.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key players in Maharashtra's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026 squad?
The two headline names are right-handed batters Ruturaj Gaikwad and Prithvi Shaw. The squad also features Rahul Tripathi, Mukesh Choudhary, Vicky Ostwal, Arshin Kulkarni, and all-rounder Ramakrishna Ghosh, who returns from injury.
When and where will Maharashtra play their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group matches?
Maharashtra will play all seven group stage matches in Mohali and New Chandigarh between 14 November and 26 November 2026, in Elite Group C.
Why has no captain been announced for Maharashtra's squad?
The Maharashtra Cricket Association has not named a captain alongside the squad, though reports indicate the announcement is expected in the coming days. No official reason has been given for the delay.
Will Ruturaj Gaikwad be available for Maharashtra's opening match?
Gaikwad is currently with the Indian national team for the ODI series against New Zealand, which ends on 15 November in Mount Maunganui — one day after Maharashtra's opening fixture on 14 November. His availability for the first game is therefore uncertain.
Who is Ramakrishna Ghosh and why is his inclusion notable?
Ramakrishna Ghosh is a seam-bowling all-rounder who was forced out of IPL 2026 with Chennai Super Kings due to a foot fracture. His inclusion in the Maharashtra squad marks his return to competitive cricket as he builds match fitness.
