The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) revealed its 15-member Ranji Trophy squad for the 2025-26 season on Tuesday, with Lee Yong Lepcha serving as captain. The mountain state will again compete in the Plate Division.
Sikkim will begin their campaign against Manipur on October 15 at the Sikkim Cricket Ground at Mining, Rangpo, the team’s chosen home site. Following their opener, the team will play Meghalaya in Shillong on October 25, Mizoram in Anand on November 1, and then return home to host Bihar on November 8 and Arunachal Pradesh on November 16.
The group, led by Lee Yong Lepcha, also features Anwesh Karan Sharma, Amit Rajera, Arun Chettri, Ankur Malik, Ashish Thapa, Bijay Prasad, Bhim Lall Luitel, Nilesh Lamichaney, Palzor Tamang, Pranesh Chettri, and Robin Limboo. Gurinder Singh, K Sai Satwik, and M Kranti Kumar are three outstation professionals who have been draughted.
The support staff includes Sonam Palden Bhutia as head coach, Mandup Bhutia as assistant coach, Ardon Targain as physio, Sateesh Reddy as strength and conditioning coach, Durga Prasad as masseur, and Rajen Gurung as team manager.
Since 2022, SICA has looked at promoting local talent. However, the association has also recognized the need to mix experience with youth. According to SICA spokesperson S. Nugo, the decision to bring in guest players was to improve Sikkim cricket.
“The team will face Meghalaya in Shillong on October 25, Mizoram at Anand on November 1, followed by Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh on November 8 and November 16, respectively. This step aims to balance competitiveness with player development. Our foremost objective remains the long-term growth of cricket in Sikkim. However, fielding a balanced and competitive side is crucial in national tournaments, where experience and skills of seasoned professionals significantly enhance performance and provide invaluable mentorship to our local players,” said S.Nugo, spokesperson for the SICA.
Sikkim squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26
Lee Yong Lepcha (C), Anwesh Karan Sharma, Amit Rajera, Arun Chettri, Ankur Malik, Ashish Thapa, Bijay Prasad, Bhim Lall Luitel, Nilesh Lamichaney, Palzor Tamang, Pranesh Chettri, Robin Limboo, Gurinder Singh, K Sai Satwik, M Kranti Kumar
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