On Monday, the UPCA announced the squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where India veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar was named the skipper of the team. What was noteworthy is, the squad was full of IPL stars, which in itself means, a mighty strong squad for the side.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead UP
Bhuvi’s deputy was Madhav Kaushik, while the IPL star list included – Priyam Garg, Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Piyush Chawla, Yash Dayal, Shivam Mavi, and even Yash Dayal. This tournament would only prove to be a practice before the IPL 2025, while the IPL Auction will be conducted on November 24, 25.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
It is important to note that the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this year, will be played in the middle of the Ranji Trophy season. This only gives a chance to the players to get in the groove for the IPL 2025. On the other hand, Bengal named Mohammed Shami in their squad for SMAT.
As per various reports, the BCCI wants Shami to prove his fitness for the IND vs AUS series, and could be well on his way to Australia, for the second Test, starting December 6, in Adelaide. It is also the day and night Test, where Shami will be imperative for India’s chances.
Coming back to UP, it will be a chance for the likes of Nitish Rana, Bhuvi, Shivam Mavi and Sameer Rizvi to find some form. If they can perform well in the first match itself, they could certainly attract higher bids at the IPL Auction, that is scheduled to take place in Jeddah on November 24, 25.
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