Rajat Patidar has been named captain of Madhya Pradesh for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting 14 November 2026. The double IPL-winning Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper will lead the state side in Elite Group C, though his availability for the full league phase is uncertain due to national commitments.

Squad Composition and Key Names

Madhya Pradesh carry two wicketkeepers in Harsh Gawli and Apoorv Dwivedi, while India fast bowler Avesh Khan will spearhead the attack. The bowling unit also features Mangesh Yadav, left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya Singh, off-spinner Saransh Jain, and left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar. Among the batters, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Harsh Gawli, and Aniket Verma are expected to shoulder greater responsibility in Patidar's likely absence during the latter part of the group stage.

Patidar's Limited Availability and India A Duty

Patidar, who has represented India in three Tests and one ODI, is scheduled to link up with the India A squad for the Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha, Qatar, running from 19 to 29 November. He has been appointed vice-captain to skipper Tilak Varma for that assignment. Left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Arshad Khan is also set to join the India A camp. Should Patidar depart after Madhya Pradesh's match against Assam on 16 November, team management under head coach Chandrakant Pandit will need to appoint a stand-in captain for the remaining five fixtures.

No Place for Madhav Tiwari

Seam-bowling all-rounder Madhav Tiwari has again been overlooked, despite a prominent run in IPL 2026 with Delhi Capitals and a stint with Ujjain Falcons in the Madhya Pradesh League T20 Scindia Cup 2026. His continued omission is likely to draw scrutiny from selectors and supporters alike. Pacer Kuldeep Sen has also been left out, reportedly due to an unspecified injury.

Madhya Pradesh's Group Stage Schedule

Madhya Pradesh open their campaign against Kerala in a day-night game at New Chandigarh on 14 November. Their first four fixtures are based in New Chandigarh — against Assam on 16 November, Tripura on 18 November, and Andhra on 20 November — before the remaining three matches shift to Mohali. Those games are against Maharashtra on 22 November, Himachal Pradesh on 24 November, and Puducherry on 26 November.

Full Squad

Madhya Pradesh squad: Ankush Singh, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Harsh Gawli (wk), Rajat Patidar (captain), Aniket Verma, Ritik Tada, Apoorv Dwivedi (wk), Saransh Jain, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Shivam Shukla, Shivang Kumar, Avesh Khan, Tripuresh Singh, Rahul Batham, Mangesh Yadav.

With India A commitments looming, the depth of Madhya Pradesh's batting and bowling resources will face an early test when Patidar departs the camp mid-tournament.