Ranji Trophy: Nagaland, Hyderabad face off at Sovima today

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland senior men's cricket team is set to clash with Hyderabad in the opening match of the Ranji Trophy 2023-2024. The showdown will take place at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, on January 5, marking the commencement of an action-packed season for cricket enthusiasts in Nagaland.

The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class cricket championship, organised annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), witnesses participation from teams representing regional and state cricket associations. With its inception dating back to 1934, the championship has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket, played across various iconic grounds and stadiums.

Nagaland, set to compete in the plate group, faces the prospect of promotion or relegation based on performance. The team's journey will include three away matches in different states, with two crucial home matches scheduled at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima.

As per the tournament structure, the team finishing last in each elite sub-group will be relegated, while both plate group finalists will earn promotion to the elite group for the subsequent season.

The season will conclude with a match against Arunachal Pradesh on February 2, providing local sports enthusiasts with the excitement of witnessing their team in action at their home ground, the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima.

The Nagaland squad for the first three Ranji Trophy matches will be led by Jonathan Rongsen as captain. Other members of the team include Imliwati Lemtur, Sedezhalie Rupreo, Tahmeed Rahman, Nagaho Chishi, Hopongkyu Sangtam, Khrievitso Kense, Sepichem Jingru, Joshua Ben Ozukum, Yugandhar Singh, Nzanthung Mozhui, Vishal Sahani, and guest players Karan Tewatiya, Rs Jaganath Sinivas, and Sumit Kumar.

The team’s support staff consists of team manager Shatilo Kent, head coach Muralidhar R, assistant coaches Arzoo Raj and Kechisen Keppen, S & C coach Shyla Alam, and physio Mowalong Kichu.

RANJI TROPHY 2023-24 (PLATE GROUP FIXTURE)

Nagaland vs Hyderabad: Jan. 5- 8 | Nagaland Cricket Stadium

Nagaland vs Mizoram: Jan. 12- 15| Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium, Nadiad

Nagaland vs Meghalaya: Jan. 19- 22 | MCA Cricket Ground, Polo Ground, Shillong

Nagaland vs Sikkim: Jan. 26- 29| Sica Ground, Rangpo