India’s experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will captain Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, starting November 23. The Uttar Pradesh team has named 26-year-old batter Madhav Kaushik as vice-captain.
Bhuvneshwar, known as the “Swing King,” brings immense experience to the role, having taken 299 wickets in 286 T20 matches, including 90 wickets in 86 T20Is. His leadership offers Uttar Pradesh (UP) a strong chance of winning their second SMAT title. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has announced a 19-member squad featuring notable players like Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Yash Dayal, Piyush Chawla, and Sameer Rizvi.
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, who captained UP to their only SMAT title, expressed confidence in Bhuvneshwar’s ability to lead. “Bhuvi’s international and domestic experience will be invaluable. The team is formidable, and I am optimistic about their chances,” Raina said. He praised the balanced combination of emerging talents and seasoned players, adding that the Mumbai pitches would suit their lineup.
Raina highlighted key players such as Sameer Rizvi, Madhav Kaushik, and Swastik Chikara, who harmonize well with Bhuvneshwar. He also lauded the contributions of experienced bowlers like Piyush Chawla, Yash Dayal, and Mohsin Khan. Raina emphasized that representing one’s state adds motivation, drawing parallels to his successful stint with CSK in the IPL.
Placed in Group C, UP will play their matches in Mumbai, competing against teams like Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand. They face Delhi in their opening match on November 23 at Wankhede Stadium.
UP Squad:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (C), Madhav Kaushik (VC), Karan Sharma, Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Swastik Chikara, Priyam Garg, Aryan Juyal, Aaditya Sharma, Piyush Chawla, Vipraj Nigam, Kartikeya Jaiswal, Shivam Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohsin Khan, Aaqib Khan, Shivam Mavi, Vineet Panwar.
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