Ranji Trophy 2024-25 | Meghalaya Cricket Association Squad, Fixtures

The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has unveiled its revised squad for the first two matches of the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season. The announcement was made following a meeting of the Apex Council on Monday, highlighting the team’s readiness for their Elite Group debut after an impressive performance in the Plate Group last season.

Meghalaya’s campaign kicks off with an away fixture against Services from October 11 to 14, followed by a home game in Shillong against Tripura from October 18 to 21. These two matches will mark Meghalaya’s introduction to the more competitive Elite Group, a promotion earned after finishing as runners-up to Hyderabad in the Plate Group in the 2023-24 season.

Squad Details

Kishan Lyngdoh will once again lead the Meghalaya team, continuing in his role as captain, with Dippu Ch Sangma serving as the vice-captain. The squad comprises a blend of young talent and seasoned professionals, including three BCCI-approved guest players – Ajay Duhan, Sumit Kumar, and Anirudh B – who are expected to bolster the team’s ranks in crucial positions.

Revised Meghalaya Ranji Trophy Squad (First Two Matches):

1. Kishan Lyngdoh (C)
2. Dippu Ch Sangma (VC)
3. Aryan Borah
4. Akash Kumar Choudhary
5. Shembhalang Pyngrope
6. Bamanbha Shangpliang
7. Bijon Dey
8. Chengkam Sangma
9. Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva
10. Ram Gurung
11. Roshan Warbah
12. Swarajeet Das
13. Ajay Duhan (BCCI approved guest professional player)
14. Sumit Kumar (BCCI approved guest professional player)
15. Anirudh B (BCCI approved guest professional player)

Standby Players:

• Adarsh Joshi
• Anish Charak
• Lerry G Sangma
• Yogesh Tiwari

Support Staff:

• Head Coach: Prabhakar Bairgond
• Assistant Coach: Moisten Ch Marak
• Physiotherapist: Surojit Biswas
• Trainer: Vikash Singh Chauhan
• Manager: Dister Marbaniang

Fixtures and Expectations:

Meghalaya’s first match of the season against Services is set to take place from October 11 to 14, followed by a home fixture against Tripura from October 18 to 21 at the picturesque Shillong Cricket Ground. With the team making their first appearance in the Elite Group, they are eager to prove themselves against tougher opposition. Their remarkable 2023-24 season, where they emerged as Plate Group runners-up, has set high expectations for the squad as they embark on this new challenge.

Captain Kishan Lyngdoh will be key to Meghalaya’s success, both with the bat and in leading the side in what promises to be a highly competitive group. Vice-captain Dippu Sangma will provide crucial support, especially in the middle order, while Ajay Duhan, Sumit Kumar, and Anirudh B, the guest professional players, will bring their experience and quality to the team.

Road Ahead:

Meghalaya's journey in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 represents a significant step forward for the team, as they prepare to compete at the Elite level for the first time in their history. The squad, though revised for the first two matches, remains flexible and could see further adjustments based on performance. With a solid support staff in place, including Head Coach Prabhakar Bairgond, Meghalaya will be focused on making an impact in this highly anticipated domestic cricket season.

As the Elite Group challenges loom large, Meghalaya will look to build on the momentum from last season and continue their upward trajectory in Indian domestic cricket