Gangtok:23rd Dec: Sikkim will begin the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 campaign on Wednesday with a Group C fixture against Mumbai at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Mumbai, among the favourites for the title, are bolstered by the return of Rohit Sharma. The former India captain is returning to the domestic cricket scene after a seven-year gap. Led by all-rounder Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai squad also includes Sarfaraz Khan.
Sikkim captain Lepcha Yong Lepcha played down any pressure ahead of the clash with Mumbai, insisting his side would concentrate on producing a strong performance.
He said Sikkim had previous experience of competing against established teams, pointing to last season’s victory over Rajasthan as evidence. Lepcha also suggested that familiar conditions in Jaipur could work in their favor, expressing quiet confidence in his team’s preparation without focusing on the outcome.
Sikkim , competing in the Elite division of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time. While Sikkim’s Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaigns were in the Plate division, the Sikkim team earned promotion after registering two group-stage wins last season, including a historic victory over Rajasthan.
Group C also includes Chhattisgarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttarakhand, with each side set to play the others once.
Wednesday’s match is scheduled to start at 9 AM and will be broadcast live on Jio Hotstar.
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