Madhya Pradesh vs Puducherry – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 Match Preview (2026-01-03 03:30 GMT)

As the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 progresses, cricket fans are in for an intriguing encounter between Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry on January 3, 2026, at 03:30 GMT. This match promises to be a battle of contrasting form and styles, with Madhya Pradesh coming into the game on the back of a strong run and Puducherry looking to end their current losing streak.

Team Form and Performance

Madhya Pradesh, under the leadership of Yash Dubey, has been in excellent form, securing five wins out of their last six matches. Their consistent performances and balanced squad make them a strong contender for the title. The team has shown resilience in both batting and bowling, with a well-rounded approach that has served them well in tight contests.

On the other hand, Puducherry has struggled in their recent outings, losing all their last few games. However, the side still has the potential to turn things around with the right strategy and key contributions from their standout performers.

Key Players to Watch

Madhya Pradesh

• Venkatesh Iyer: A dynamic all-rounder, Iyer has been a consistent performer, contributing with both bat and ball. His ability to accelerate the innings makes him a vital asset.
• Mangesh Yadav: A reliable middle-order batsman, Yadav has shown the ability to anchor the innings and guide the team to victory in crucial moments.
• Yash Dubey: As the captain, Dubey is expected to lead from the front and provide the team with a solid foundation at the top.

Puducherry

• Ajay Rohera: A key performer for Puducherry, Rohera has been in good form with the bat and has the potential to single-handedly change the game's momentum.
• Vedant Bhardwaj: Another standout performer, Bhardwaj has shown consistency in scoring runs and could be crucial for Puducherry in this match.
• Anand Bais / Bhanu Anand: Both are strong wicket-taking options and could provide crucial breakthroughs for the Puducherry bowling attack.

Tactical Insights and Captaincy Advice

Given the current form and player performances, the following picks and strategies are recommended for fantasy teams and cricket enthusiasts:

Small League Must Picks

• Mangesh Yadav (Madhya Pradesh) – A consistent performer with a strong record in the middle order.
• Ajay Rohera (Puducherry) – A key player with the ability to impact the game significantly.

Grand League Risky Picks

• Venkatesh Iyer (Madhya Pradesh) – High-scoring potential and all-round contributions.
• Harpreet Singh Bhatia (Madhya Pradesh) – A reliable wicket-taker with match-winning potential.
• Sivamurugan Murugaiyan (Puducherry) – A consistent performer with the ability to deliver under pressure.
• Aman Khan (Puducherry) – A rising star with a good strike rate and match-winning flair.

Captaincy Suggestions

• Madhya Pradesh: Yash Dubey – Steadfast captain with leadership qualities and a strong batting record.
• Puducherry: Anand Bais or Bhanu Anand – Both have the potential to lead the side to victory with their all-round contributions.

Injury and Squad Updates

As of now, there are no injury reports for either team, which is a positive sign for both sides. This means the full strength of both squads will be available, adding to the competitiveness of the match.

Live Streaming and Match Details

The match between Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry will be broadcast live and can be followed on the following platforms:

• Cricbuzz
• ESPNcricinfo
• Possible11

The game will be played on Saturday, January 3, 2026, starting at 03:30 GMT.

Final Verdict

While Madhya Pradesh enter the match in superior form, Puducherry will be looking to put a stop to their recent slump and make a statement. With key performers on both sides and a competitive match ahead, this is one encounter that cricket fans should not miss.

Prediction: Madhya Pradesh to win, but Puducherry could give them a tough challenge if their key players deliver.
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