Delhi cricket is facing a big controversy right now! The DDCA just announced their squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Nitish Rana will lead the team as captain starting November 26. But here’s the shocker – Digvesh Rathi got dropped completely from the squad.
Why Digvesh Rathi’s Exclusion Shocked Everyone
Digvesh Rathi has been bowling brilliantly in recent matches for Delhi. The talented leg-spinner impressed everyone during his IPL debut season too. Lucknow Super Giants even retained him for IPL 2026 because of that. So why would Delhi leave him out now?
Many cricket fans believe there’s more to this story here. Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi had a massive fight during DPL 2025. Things got pretty heated between them on the field back then. People think that the ugly incident might be behind Rathi’s sudden axing.
The selectors said they don’t need Rathi for this particular tournament. That reason doesn’t convince most fans at all honestly. A player good enough for IPL teams should play domestic cricket too.
Nitish Rana Takes Charge of Delhi Squad
Nitish Rana recently switched from Uttar Pradesh to represent Delhi. Now he’s been handed the captaincy for Syed Mushtaq Ali 2025 already. The DDCA selectors clearly back him for this leadership role.
Yashpal Singh and Sarandeep Singh both sit on the selection committee. They expressed full confidence in Rana’s ability to lead the side. Whether fans agree with this choice remains to be seen though.
Delhi’s Squad for SMAT 2025
Nitish Rana (C), Arpit Rana, Priyansh Arya, Sarthak Ranjan, Ayush Badoni, Ayush Doseja, Mayank Rawat, Tejasvi, Anuj Rawat, Yash Dhull, Himmat Singh, Rohan Rana, Dhruv Kaushik, Aryan Rana, Vaibhav Khandpal, Simarjeet Singh, Rahul Dagar, Yash Bhatia, Ankit Rajesh Kumar, Harsh Tyagi, Suyash Sharma, Prince Yadav, and Money Grewal.
Delhi’s Squad Features Mix of Experience and Youth
The Delhi team has some quality players besides the captain. Ayush Badoni brings his explosive batting to the lineup here. Ishant Sharma adds valuable experience with his pace bowling skills.
Navdeep Saini might play if he passes his fitness tests. Young talents like Priyansh Arya and Suyash Sharma also made the cut. These youngsters will get chances to prove themselves in the Syed Mushtaq Ali 2025.
Delhi won this trophy only once before in the 2017-18 season. Nitish Rana hopes to bring that title back home. But Digvesh Rathi’s controversial absence will keep making headlines for sure.
