SMAT 2026, Group B Preview: Sooryavanshi-led Bihar looks to challenge Tamil Nadu, Punjab and other contenders

FILE PHOTO: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old batter from Bihar, recently featured in India’s 3-2 T20I series win in New Zealand. | Photo Credit: AP

The spotlight would be on Bihar’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Elite Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 15-year-old is set to lead his side in its opening two matches and become the youngest captain in T20 cricket.

Tamil Nadu’s campaign could hinge on how its batting order finds the right tempo. Tushar Raheja and Amith Sathvik promise an explosive opening combination, but N. Jagadeesan would have to show greater intent and better acceleration through the middle overs. C. Andre Siddarth, the 20-year-old who did not make the IPL 2026 auction shortlist, has a point to prove. M. Shahrukh Khan, released midway through a disappointing last season, has worked his way back into form while leading Vida Kovai Kings to a third Tamil Nadu Premier League title and would be keen to carry that momentum forward.

R. Sai Kishore, who played only three games for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, would see this as an opportunity to make himself difficult to overlook. M. Siddharth would hope to reproduce his effective PowerPlay bowling and frugal economy for Kovai Kings, while Varun Chakaravarthy would look to work himself into a good rhythm with the ball.

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The pace attack would depend heavily on left-armer Gurjapneet Singh. Athisayaraj Davidson and R. Silambarasan, with their slingy actions, add variety to the fast-bowling unit.

Delhi, under Ayush Badoni, can call on a formidable pace battery in Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, Ishant Sharma, and Simarjeet Singh. Badoni’s recent form makes him one to watch, while the omission of former captain Nitish Rana is a talking point.

Punjab’s Salil Arora arrives in form and Umesh Yadav makes his first SMAT appearance for the state. Jammu & Kashmir’s Umran Malik would be keen to serve a reminder of his ability and potential.

The second-highest run-getter last season, Haryana captain Ankit Kumar would look to resume from where he left off. Yuzvendra Chahal and Rahul Tewatia are the side’s two prominent names. Saurashtra boasts the experience of Jaydev Unadkat, while Railways has an exciting prospect in Ravi Singh.