Unadkat to captain Saurashtra in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026/27
Synopsis
Sheldon Jackson — Saurashtra's long-time batting pillar — is swapping the commentary box for the dugout, joining the coaching staff for the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With Unadkat captaining a squad that includes an India U-19 World Cup winner, Saurashtra head to Indore with fresh ambition for a title that has so far eluded them despite Ranji Trophy glory.
Key Takeaways
Jaydev Unadkat named captain of Saurashtra for the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy .
A 16-member squad was announced by the state's senior men's selection committee on 11 November 2026 .
Sheldon Jackson joins the support staff as a coach — his first coaching role after retiring as a player and working as a broadcaster.
Harvansh Singh Pangalia , a member of India's U-19 World Cup-winning squad, is one of two designated wicketkeepers.
Saurashtra are placed in Elite Group B and will play all league games in Indore , opening against Bihar on 14 November .
Despite winning the Ranji Trophy , Saurashtra are yet to claim the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.
Jaydev Unadkat will continue as captain of Saurashtra in the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, after the state's senior men's selection committee on Wednesday, 11 November announced a 16-member squad for the domestic men's T20 competition. Notably, former stalwart Sheldon Jackson joins the side's support staff as a coach — marking his first coaching assignment after a career spent as a player and broadcaster.
Squad Composition and Key Names
The squad features two designated wicketkeepers: Harvik Desai and Harvansh Singh Pangalia, the latter having been part of the India Under-19 team that won this year's World Cup. Unadkat will lead a bowling attack that includes left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya, all-rounder Prerak Mankad, Parth Bhut, and Krains Fuletra.
The full squad reads: Jaydev Unadkat (captain), Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper), Jay Gohil, Prerak Mankad, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Sammar Gajjar, Ruchit Ahir, Chetan Sakariya, Parth Bhut, Harvansh Singh Pangalia (wicketkeeper), Siddhant Rana, Krains Fuletra, Yuvraj Chudasama, Luckyraj Vaghela, Devang Karamta, and Ankur Panwar.
Sheldon Jackson Steps Into Coaching
Since retiring from active cricket, Sheldon Jackson had primarily worked as a broadcaster at BCCI-organised tournaments. His transition to the coaching staff — alongside head coach Niraj Odedra and team manager Narendrasinh Jadeja — signals a new chapter for a player who was long considered Saurashtra's batting backbone across all formats.
Group Stage Fixtures and Venues
Saurashtra have been placed in Elite Group B alongside Bihar, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Railways, and Tamil Nadu, with all league matches scheduled in Indore. Their campaign opens against Bihar at the Holkar Stadium at 11 am on 14 November.
Subsequent fixtures include a 1:30 pm clash against Haryana at the Daly College Cricket Ground on 16 November, followed by a 4:30 pm encounter against Jammu and Kashmir at Holkar Stadium on 18 November. After a three-day break, they face Railways at 9 am on 22 November at Daly College Cricket Ground. The final two group games — against Punjab at 11 am on 24 November and Tamil Nadu at 4:30 pm on 26 November — are both at Holkar Stadium.
Saurashtra's Trophy Ambitions
Despite their pedigree as former Ranji Trophy champions, Saurashtra are yet to lift the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. With a settled captain in Unadkat, a World Cup-winner in Pangalia, and the experience Jackson brings to the dressing room, the side will be looking to convert consistent domestic performances into a maiden T20 title triumph.
Point of View
The more pressing question is whether a squad that has consistently punched above its weight in red-ball cricket can find the T20 fluency to finally win a title that has eluded them. The inclusion of Pangalia signals genuine succession planning, but the team's batting depth outside recognised names will be tested against the stronger sides in Group B, particularly Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will captain Saurashtra in the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
Jaydev Unadkat will captain Saurashtra in the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The veteran left-arm pacer retains the leadership role after the state's senior men's selection committee named a 16-member squad on 11 November 2026.
What is Sheldon Jackson's new role with Saurashtra?
Sheldon Jackson has joined Saurashtra's support staff as a coach for the 2026/27 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This is his first coaching stint; since retiring as a player, he had primarily worked as a broadcaster at BCCI-organised tournaments.
Who is Harvansh Singh Pangalia and why does he feature in the squad?
Harvansh Singh Pangalia is a wicketkeeper-batter who was part of the India Under-19 team that won this year's World Cup. He is one of two designated wicketkeepers in Saurashtra's 16-member squad alongside Harvik Desai.
Where will Saurashtra play their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group-stage matches?
Saurashtra will play all their Elite Group B league fixtures in Indore, split between the Holkar Stadium and the Daly College Cricket Ground. Their campaign begins against Bihar at Holkar Stadium at 11 am on 14 November.
Have Saurashtra ever won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy?
No, Saurashtra have not won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy despite having previously won the Ranji Trophy. The 2026/27 edition represents another opportunity for the side to claim their first domestic T20 title.
