Shillong, Jan 2: The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) has announced its 15-member squad for the second half of the U-23 men’s Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2025–26, which will resume later this month.

Unlike most state teams this season, Meghalaya are competing in the Elite Group A, facing some of the strongest U-23 sides in the country. The team has endured a challenging campaign so far, losing two matches but producing a spirited draw against Goa at home in November. Meghalaya are currently placed seventh out of eight teams in the group, with Kerala at the bottom of the standings.

The multi-day Col CK Nayudu Trophy has been split into two halves this season, with the U-23 men’s one-day tournament conducted in between.

For the remainder of the tournament, the Meghalaya squad features several changes, with Chandra Bahadur Thapa, Pushkar Raj Singh, Thunun Marak and Denikcheng Marak earning selection following impressive performances in the State A Trophy.

Meghalaya will play two of their four remaining fixtures in Tura at the Alotgre Ground. Their first home match will be against Kerala from January 30, followed by a fixture against Gujarat starting February 13.

Ahead of the campaign, a short practice camp will be held in Shillong from January 17 to 19, with players and support staff instructed to report on January 16. The team will then travel to Ranchi for their opening match of the second half against Jharkhand.

Meghalaya Squad:

Dipankar Baruah (WK), Kevin Christopher (Captain), Asif Khan, Avinash Rai, Manish Sharma (Vice-Captain), Shavian Blah, PM Santosh, Sudhir Sahani, Josiah Momin, Gavineal Marpna, Rohit Kumar Yadav, Thunun Marak (WK), Pushkar Raj Singh, Denikcheng Marak, Chandra Bahadur Thapa

Standbys:
Sachin Kumar, Purav Agarwal, Dairo A Marak, Gulgul M Sangma, Banialam Mylliemngap

Support Staff:
Neetesh Sharma (Head Coach), Marty Mustafa (Assistant Coach), Emidao Dhar (Physio), Skhembor Khongbtep (Trainer), Chuba R Marak (Manager)