SMAT Group C preview: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra likely to face stiff resistance from Kerala, Andhra

FILE PHOTO: Rajat Patidar had led Madhya Pradesh to the SMAT final in 2024. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K.

Domestic heavyweights Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will face serious challenges from contenders Kerala and Andhra as the Group C matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27 begin in Chandigarh on Saturday.

Madhya Pradesh, led by two-time IPL winning captain Rajat Patidar boasts, one of the most balanced sides in the group. Bolstered by IPL stars Avesh Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, and Aniket Verma, the side has ample firepower to weather tough challenges.

Maharashtra has a good batting unit, featuring proven match-winners Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi and Rituraj Gaikwad - who is expected to join after his international duties. With Mukesh Choudhary spearheading its pace attack, Maharashtra will look to justify its tag as group favourite.

Kerala and Andhra remain dangerous sides, which can beat any side on their day. Kerala, boosted by the return of Sanju Samson, will rely on its explosive batting line-up comprising Rohan Kunnummal, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen. However, Kerala needs its bowlers to step up against top-tier rivals.

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

Himachal Pradesh is a team in transition and is overly reliant on Nehal Wadhera in batting. The team needs to lift itself after a dismal show in Ranji Trophy. Assam is severely weakened by the absence of injured Riyan Parag and needs to find its feet after an indifferent show in Ranji Trophy this season. Pondicherry, with dangerous finishers in Shashank Singh and Aman Khan, can be pretty unpredictable while underdog Tripura will lean on the experienced Mandeep Singh and skipper Manishankar Murasingh for stability.