DIMAPUR, SEP 29 (NPN): The Nagaland Ranji team departed for Delhi on Tuesday to participate in two multi-day practice matches as part of its preparations for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season.
The practice fixtures are expected to provide the team with crucial match exposure and help players fine-tune their skills ahead of the start of the domestic cricket season. Following the completion of the practice matches in Delhi, the squad will travel to Ahmedabad for its opening Ranji Trophy encounter against Arunachal Pradesh, scheduled from October 11 to 14.
The Nagaland Cricket Association has named a 16-member squad for the first two matches of the season. The team will be led by Hokaito Zhimomi, while Jonathan Rongsen has been appointed vice-captain. The squad also includes Sedezhalie Rupreo, Imliwati Lemtur, Hem Bahadur Chetri, Joshua Ben Ozukum, guest player Chetan Bisht, Anil Gupta, Yugandhar Singh, Neizekho Rupreo, Odilemba Kichu, Nagaho Chishi, Hopongkyu Sangtam, Saurav Kumar, Vino G. Zhimomi and Aloto Sumi.
The team will be guided by an experienced support staff headed by former India pacer Debasis Mohanty as head coach. The support team also comprises team manager Nehal Ahmad, fielding coach Arzoo Raj, strength and conditioning coach Swadesh Nagre, physiotherapist Mowalong Kichu, assistant physiotherapist Anenti Tep and masseur Anirban Roy.
The Nagaland Cricket Association extended its best wishes to the players and support staff for the preparatory matches and expressed hope for a successful campaign in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season.
