Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Rajat Patidar's Madhya Pradesh to face Sanju Samson's Kerala opener on November 14

Madhya Pradesh, led by Rajat Patidar, will open their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign against Sanju Samson's Kerala at New Chandigarh on November 14. Free Press Journal reported the fixture. The Hindu said Elite Group C matches begin on Saturday.

Madhya Pradesh will rely on Patidar, Avesh Khan, Harsh Gawli and Aniket Verma, while Kerala boast Samson, Rohan Kunnummal and KM Asif, according to Free Press Journal. 56. 38.

Patidar's experience and Avesh Khan's pace will be crucial, with Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya adding depth to the bowling attack. Shivam Shukla has claimed 17 wickets in 10 matches, while Tripuresh Singh has taken 16.

Kerala skipper Sanju Samson brings experience and attacking flair, having scored 275 runs in his last nine matches. 22. With the ball, KM Asif has grabbed 15 wickets in just six matches, making him a major threat to MP's batting lineup.

Both teams enter the contest with identical recent records of two wins and three defeats in their last five matches, promising a keen battle.

Madhya Pradesh boasts one of the most balanced squads in Elite Group C, bolstered by the presence of Avesh Khan, Kumar Kartikeya and Aniket Verma. Kerala, boosted by the return of Sanju Samson, will rely on its explosive batting line-up also comprising Rohan S. Kunnummal, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen. It, however, needs its bowlers to step up against top-tier rivals.

Andhra will be looking to replicate its performance from last season when it narrowly missed the final. With experienced campaigners Ricky Bhui, Ashwin Hebbar, Shaik Rasheed, T. Vijay and Satyanarayana Raju in the team, Andhra will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing Ranji campaign.

Himachal Pradesh is a team in transition and could bank on Nehal Wadhera in batting. Assam is severely weakened by the absence of the injured Riyan Parag and needs to find its feet after an indifferent show in the Ranji Trophy.

Pondicherry, with dangerous finishers in Shashank Singh and Aman Khan, can be pretty unpredictable while underdogs Tripura will lean on Mandeep Singh and skipper Manishankar Murasingh for stability.

The weather could prove decisive. With early seam movement expected in day matches and heavy dew set to play a role under lights, winning the toss will be critical.

Madhya Pradesh will seek a winning start to its campaign at New Chandigarh. Free Press Journal said MP will look to launch its Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign on a winning note when they take on Kerala.

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Sources

• The Hindu

• freepressjournal.in