Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Sikkim vs Manipur Match Preview – October 15, 2025

Venue: SICA Ground, Rangpo
Time: 05:00 GMT / 10:30 IST
Format: First-Class (4-day match)
Competition: Plate Group
Series: Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Match Context

The Plate Group of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 sets the stage for emerging teams like Sikkim and Manipur to showcase their potential in India’s premier domestic competition. This match between Sikkim and Manipur will be one of the early fixtures in the Plate Group, held at the SICA Ground in Rangpo, a venue known for its consistent playing surface and fair bounce.

With the Plate Group being a crucial step for teams aiming to earn promotion to the elite tier, every match carries immense significance. Both Sikkim and Manipur have had a mixed history in the Ranji Trophy but are eager to prove themselves in this season.

Team Form and Strengths

Sikkim – The Home Advantage

Sikkim enters the match as the home side, which could play in their favor. The team has had a modest presence in recent seasons, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. Key players to watch include:

• Rahul Tamang (Captain): A reliable middle-order batsman and useful medium-pacer, Tamang is expected to lead from the front.
• Rajeev Sharma: A wicketkeeper-batsman with good strike rates and a knack for anchoring the innings.
• Pawan Tamang: A fast bowler who can trouble batters with his accuracy and seam movement.

Sikkim will look to capitalize on home conditions and put in a disciplined performance, particularly with the ball, to put Manipur under pressure early on.

Manipur – The Road Warriors

Manipur, on the other hand, will be aiming to make a strong statement on the road. The team has shown promise in recent years, with a balanced squad that can compete in all departments. Key players include:

• Biswajit Singh: An aggressive opener who can dominate the scoreboard and set the tone for the innings.
• Sandeep Singh: A reliable spinner and lower-order batsman, Sandeep adds variety to the attack and can take crucial wickets.
• Ashish Sharma: A left-arm seamer with a good line and length, Ashish can exploit any movement in the pitch.

Manipur will be looking to rely on their batting depth and spin resources to counter Sikkim’s pace attack. A disciplined chase or a tight total in the first innings could be the key to their success.

Pitch and Weather Outlook

The SICA Ground in Rangpo is known for its flat and even surface, which typically favors batting. However, as the match progresses, the pitch may offer some assistance to spinners, especially in the second innings. The weather is expected to be clear and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 22°C, ideal for a four-day contest.

Head-to-Head History

Sikkim and Manipur have not faced each other in a high-profile fixture recently, and this will be one of the few competitive meetings between the two sides in the Ranji Trophy. The result of this match could go a long way in shaping their Plate Group campaigns, especially with promotion in mind.

Key Matchups

• Manipur’s openers (Biswajit Singh & Co.) vs. Sikkim’s pace attack (Pawan Tamang & others): The battle at the start of the innings could determine the momentum of the match.
• Sikkim’s spinners vs. Manipur’s lower-order:
• Manipur’s spinners vs. Sikkim’s tail:

Prediction

While Sikkim have the advantage of playing at home and may have a slight edge due to the surface, Manipur’s aggressive approach and strong spin resources could make this match highly competitive.

Prediction:
Sikkim vs Manipur – Sikkim by 50-75 runs
Subject to pitch behavior and form on the day.

How to Watch

• Live Streaming: Only the knockout matches will be live-streamed, but fans can follow live score updates via the BCCI website and Ranji Trophy updates on social media.
• Broadcast: The match will not be televised, but fans can follow via live score apps and cricket news platforms.

Conclusion

This Sikkim vs Manipur clash in the Plate Group of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 promises to be an intriguing encounter between two teams eager to rise through the ranks. With Sikkim’s home advantage and Manipur’s balanced squad, the match is expected to be a tight and exciting contest. Fans of domestic cricket will be keenly watching how both teams perform in their opening fixtures of the season.

Cricket fans, mark your calendars – the battle begins on October 15, 2025 at 05:00 GMT (10:30 IST). 🏏
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