Ishant Sharma in Delhi's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad; Nitish Rana left out
Synopsis
Ishant Sharma's selection in Delhi's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad is a statement of intent — the 100-plus-Test veteran isn't done yet. Meanwhile, Nitish Rana's exclusion underlines the seriousness of his injury layoff, even as he remains in consideration for India A's Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha.
Key Takeaways
Ishant Sharma , who has played over 100 Tests , has been named in Delhi's 16-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy .
Nitish Rana was left out as he continues rehabilitation following a left quadriceps strain at the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru on 7 September .
Ayush Badoni will captain Delhi; he scored 559 runs in four Ranji Trophy games at an average of 111.8 , including scores of 210* and 217 .
Delhi begin their Elite Group B campaign against Jammu and Kashmir in Indore on 14 November .
Delhi have won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy only once, in the 2017/18 season .
Ishant Sharma, the veteran right-arm pacer with over 100 Test caps, has been named in Delhi's 16-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while experienced left-handed batter Nitish Rana has been excluded, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced on 6 November. The selection was finalised at a senior men's selection committee meeting held at the DDCA premises on Friday afternoon.
Selection Process and Committee
The squad was finalised in a meeting attended by selectors K. Bhaskar Pillai, Manu Nayar, and Praveen Gupta, alongside head coach Vijay Dahiya, Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chairman Sarandeep Singh, and DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma. Ishant's inclusion signals that the seasoned pacer remains keen on continuing in domestic white-ball cricket for Delhi. His experience is expected to serve as a valuable resource for fellow pace bowlers Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Simarjeet Singh.
Why Nitish Rana Was Left Out
Rana has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the third T20I against England. He was subsequently a conditional pick for the T20I series against Afghanistan and the Asian Games, but reportedly suffered a left quadriceps strain during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on 7 September, extending his rehabilitation period. According to reports, Rana may play one game for Delhi to assess whether he has fully recovered. Notably, Rana has been named in the India A squad for the Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup, a 50-over competition scheduled from 19 to 29 November in Doha, Qatar.
Badoni to Captain; Full Squad Breakdown
Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni will lead Delhi in the tournament. Badoni arrives in outstanding form, having ended the first phase of the Ranji Trophy as the second-highest run-scorer with 559 runs in four games at an average of 111.8, including an unbeaten 210 against Gujarat and 217 against Jharkhand. Opening duties will be shared with Priyansh Arya, while the batting line-up also includes former India U-19 captain Yash Dhull, Himmat Singh, Sarthak Ranjan, and Ayush Doseja. The spin attack features leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi. All-rounders Mayank Rawat and Keshav Dabas add balance, while Anuj Rawat and Tejasvi serve as the two wicketkeepers.
Delhi's Schedule in Elite Group B
Delhi open their Elite Group B campaign against Jammu and Kashmir in Indore on 14 November. They will subsequently face Punjab (16 November), Bihar (18 November), Saurashtra (20 November), Haryana (22 November), Tamil Nadu (24 November), and Railways (26 November). Delhi's solitary Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title came in the 2017/18 season under the captaincy of Pradeep Sangwan. With a potent pace unit and an in-form captain, the side will look to end that near-decade wait for another title.
Point of View
Having a 100-Test veteran in the dressing room has tangible developmental value. Rana's exclusion, however, raises questions about how cautiously the BCCI is managing his workload ahead of the India A assignment in Doha; playing even one game for Delhi in a T20 tournament a fortnight before a 50-over assignment is a calculated risk. Delhi's schedule, which pits them against six opponents in quick succession, will test squad depth across all formats of fitness.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nitish Rana left out of Delhi's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad?
Nitish Rana was excluded because he is still recovering from a left quadriceps strain suffered during a match simulation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on 7 September, which extended his rehabilitation after an earlier hamstring injury. He may, however, play one game for Delhi to test his fitness ahead of the India A Rising Stars Asia Cup.
Who will captain Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni will captain Delhi in the tournament. He finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the first phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, with 559 runs in four games at an average of 111.8.
When and where do Delhi play their first match in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Delhi open their Elite Group B campaign against Jammu and Kashmir in Indore on 14 November. They will then face Punjab, Bihar, Saurashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Railways in successive fixtures through 26 November.
Why is Ishant Sharma's selection significant for Delhi?
Ishant Sharma, who has played more than 100 Tests, signals his continued commitment to domestic white-ball cricket with this selection. His experience is expected to benefit younger pace bowlers Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Simarjeet Singh in the squad.
When did Delhi last win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Delhi won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2017/18 season under the captaincy of Pradeep Sangwan — their only title in the competition to date.
