Lee Yong Lepcha was named captain of the Sikkim Cricket Association’s (SICA) 15-man team for the 2025–2026 Ranji Trophy season, which was announced on Tuesday. The Plate Division will see competition from the mountain state once more.
At the Sikkim Cricket Ground at Mining, Rangpo, the team’s official home ground, Sikkim will play their first match of the season against Manipur on October 15. The team will play Meghalaya in Shillong on October 25 and Mizoram in Anand on November 1 after their opening match. On November 8, they will host Bihar, and on November 16, they will host Arunachal Pradesh.
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 are all part of the team in addition to captain Lee Yong Lepcha. Three professionals from out the town, Gurinder Singh, K Sai Satwik, and M Kranti Kumar, have been draughted.
Head coach Sonam Palden Bhutia, assistant coach Mandup Bhutia, physiotherapist Ardon Targain, strength and conditioning coach Sateesh Reddy, masseuse Durga Prasad, and team manager Rajen Gurung are among the support staff.
SICA’ has considered supporting local talent since 2022. The association has acknowledged the necessity of combining young with experience, nevertheless. SICA spokeswoman S. Nugo stated that the goal of bringing in outside players was to enhance Sikkim cricket.
The team’s schedule includes matches against Meghalaya in Shillong on October 25, Mizoram in Anand on November 1, Bihar on November 8, and Arunachal Pradesh on November 16. The goal of this step is to strike a balance between player development and competition. The long-term development of cricket in Sikkim continues to be our top priority. However, in national events, where the expertise and abilities of seasoned pros greatly improve performance and offer priceless mentorship to our local players, having a competitive and balanced team is essential,” S. Nugo, a SICA representative, stated.
Sikkim’s 2025–2026 Ranji Trophy squad
Amit Rajera, Arun Chettri, Ankur Malik, Ashish Thapa, Bijay Prasad, Bhim Lall Luitel, Nilesh Lamichaney, Palzor Tamang, Robin Limboo, Gurinder Singh, K Sai Satwik, M Kranti Kumar, Anwesh Karan Sharma, and Lee Yong Lepcha (C)
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