Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Sikkim announce 15-man squad

Published - 24 Sept 2025, 10:29 IST | Updated - 24 Sept 2025, 10:51 IST

The Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) on Tuesday announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, with Lee Yong Lepcha named as the captain. The mountain state will once again compete in the Plate Division.

Sikkim will kick off their campaign on October 15 against Manipur at the Sikkim Cricket Ground in Mining, Rangpo, the team’s designated home venue. Following their opener, the team will face Meghalaya in Shillong on October 25, Mizoram in Anand on November 1, before returning home to host Bihar on November 8 and Arunachal Pradesh on November 16.

Alongside skipper Lee Yong Lepcha, the squad includes 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. Three outstation professionals have been drafted, including Gurinder Singh, K Sai Satwik, and M Kranti Kumar.

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.

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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