Ishant Sharma included in Delhi squad for SMAT: Details here
What's the story
Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been included in Delhi's 16-member squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The announcement was made by the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Friday. The decision was taken during a meeting of the senior men's selection committee at DDCA premises, with selectors K Bhaskar Pillai, Manu Nayar and Praveen Gupta in attendance.
Mentorship role
Ishant to guide young pacers
Ishant's inclusion in the squad indicates his desire to continue playing domestic white-ball cricket for Delhi.
His vast experience of over 100 Tests will be instrumental in guiding fellow fast bowlers like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Simarjeet Singh.
Meanwhile, batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni will captain Delhi in the tournament and open their Elite Group B campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 14.
Fitness test
Rana could play 1 game for Delhi
Nitish Rana, a seasoned left-handed batter, has been left out of the squad.
However, he could feature in one game for Delhi as a fitness test after his extensive rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Rana is part of the India A squad for the Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup from November 19-29 in Doha, Qatar.
Team composition
A look at Delhi's full squad and schedule
The final squad comprises Ayush Badoni (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sarthak Ranjan, Yash Dhull, Ayush Doseja, Tejasvi (wk), Anuj Rawat (wk), Himmat Singh, Mayank Rawat, Keshav Dabas, and spinners Suyash Sharma and Digvesh.
Ishant will lead the pace attack with Harshit, Mayank Yadav and Simarjeet.
After their opening game against Jammu & Kashmir on November 14 in Indore, Delhi will take on Punjab (November 16), Bihar (November 18), Saurashtra (November 20), Haryana (November 22), Tamil Nadu (November 24) and Railways (November 26).