Sikkim vs Arunachal Pradesh – Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26 Match Preview (16 November 2025)

Date: 16 – 19 November 2025
Venue: SICA Ground, Rangpo
Time: 9:30 IST (02:45 GMT)
Format: First-Class Match
Competition: Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26

Match Overview

In what promises to be a crucial encounter in the Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26, Sikkim will host Arunachal Pradesh at the SICA Ground in Rangpo on 16 November 2025. With the Plate league stage still in its early stages, this match could prove pivotal for both sides as they aim to secure a favorable position in the standings.

The SICA Ground in Rangpo, Sikkim, is known for its relatively balanced conditions, offering some assistance to spinners as the match progresses, although the initial stages tend to favor the batsmen. The high altitude and the often unpredictable weather in the region can also play a role in shaping the outcome of the game.

Team Strengths & Key Players

Sikkim:

Sikkim has historically been a strong contender in the Plate group and has shown consistent performances in domestic cricket. They have a well-balanced squad with a mix of experienced players and emerging talent.

• Key Batsmen:

  • Rajat Bhat: A technically sound and composed opening batsman, Bhat has shown the ability to anchor the innings in pressure situations.
  • Sandeep Warrier: A middle-order mainstay with a good eye for spin, Warrier is likely to play a crucial role in Sikkim's batting lineup.

• Key Bowlers:

  • Rahul Chetry: A left-arm spinner with a good variation and control, Chetry can exploit the turning surface expected at Rangpo.
  • Siddharth Basnet: A medium-pacer with late swing and a good ability to pick up early wickets, Basnet is vital to Sikkim's attack.

Sikkim’s home advantage and the conditions in Rangpo could give them a slight edge in this match, especially if their spinners can find movement.

Arunachal Pradesh:

Arunachal Pradesh, a relatively new entrant to the domestic cricket scene, has been steadily building their squad and gaining experience in first-class cricket. Their performance in this match will be key to their campaign in the Plate group.

• Key Batsmen:

  • Rohit Daimari: A young and aggressive opening batsman, Daimari has shown flashes of brilliance in previous matches.
  • Bishnu Prasad: A dependable middle-order batsman, Prasad is expected to provide stability in the second half of the innings.

• Key Bowlers:

  • Ankit Das: A right-arm fast-medium pacer with a good yorker and ability to generate bounce, Das can trouble batters on a fresh pitch.
  • Ravi Singh: A leg-spinner with a good googly, Singh is a valuable asset in the second innings.

Arunachal Pradesh will be looking to replicate their recent performances and take confidence from their match against Manipur on 1–4 November, where they showed resilience under pressure.

Head-to-Head & Previous Encounters

Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh have faced each other in the Plate group on three previous occasions, with Sikkim holding a dominant 2–1 record. However, Arunachal Pradesh has shown improvement in recent domestic fixtures, which could make this a closely contested match.

Weather & Pitch Conditions

As of the latest reports, the weather in Rangpo is expected to be mostly clear with mild temperatures during the day. The pitch is likely to be a good batting surface on the first day, with the possibility of turning as the match progresses. This could offer opportunities for spinners, especially in the second innings.

Prediction & Key Takeaways

Sikkim, with their home advantage and a strong spin-friendly pitch, are slight favorites in this match. However, Arunachal Pradesh’s growing confidence and a potentially impactful fast-medium attack could challenge Sikkim's dominance.

Key Factors to Watch:

• Performance of Sikkim’s spinners on a turning track.
• Arunachal Pradesh’s ability to build partnerships and handle pressure.
• The toss result, as it could influence the direction of the match.

Conclusion

The match between Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh is set to be an intriguing first-class encounter in the Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26. With both teams vying for a strong start to their campaign, fans can look forward to a competitive and well-fought game at the SICA Ground in Rangpo.

Where to Watch:
All matches of the Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26, including this one, will be broadcast live on Star Sports and available for streaming on JioCinema (formerly Jio Hotstar).

Match Day: 16 November 2025
Kickoff: 9:30 IST / 02:45 GMT
Venue: SICA Ground, Rangpo, Sikkim
Format: First-Class (4-day match)
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