The spotlight in Elite Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy falls on Bihar's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who at 15 is set to lead his side in its opening two matches and become the youngest captain in T20 cricket. Sportstar notes that the teenager recently featured in India's 3-2 T20I series win in New Zealand.
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, while N. Jagadeesan must show greater intent and better acceleration through the middle overs. C. Andre Siddarth, 20, 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 regained form while leading Vida Kovai Kings to a third Tamil Nadu Premier League title. R. Sai Kishore, who played only three games for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, sees the tournament as a chance to stand out, and M. Siddharth will look to repeat his effective PowerPlay bowling and frugal economy.S1
Delhi, under Ayush Badoni, can call on a formidable pace battery in Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, Ishant Sharma and Simarjeet Singh, with Badoni's recent form making him one to watch and the omission of former captain Nitish Rana 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 will be keen to show his ability, while Haryana captain Ankit Kumar, the second-highest run-getter last season, looks to resume from where he left off alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and Rahul Tewatia.S1
Elsewhere in the group, Bihar's pace attack depends heavily on left-armer Gurjapneet Singh, with Athisayaraj Davidson and R. Silambarasan adding variety through their slingy actions. Saurashtra boasts the experience of Jaydev Unadkat, while Railways has an exciting prospect in Ravi Singh. The 19th edition of the tournament returns with IPL careers and India futures in focus.S1S2
