Chhattisgarh vs Himachal Pradesh Match Preview – January 3, 2026

Match Details

• Date: January 3, 2026
• Time: 03:30 PM GMT / 09:00 AM IST
• Venue: Abhimanyu Stadium, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
• Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
• Format: 50-over One Day Match

Pitch & Weather Conditions

• Pitch Condition: The pitch at Abhimanyu Stadium is known to be slightly spin-friendly, especially after rain. With recent monsoon showers reported in the region, the surface is expected to offer assistance to spinners in the middle and death overs.
• Weather Forecast: Temperatures are expected to range between 18°C and 28°C. The morning may see some cloud cover, but skies are expected to clear by the afternoon, allowing for a full contest.

Team Form & Recent Performance

Chhattisgarh (CHA)

• Chhattisgarh has had a mixed run in their recent five matches, with one win and three losses.
• Their batting line-up has shown promise, particularly with the aggressive contributions from Ashutosh Singh and Sanjeet Desai.
• The spinners have been effective on pitches that offer assistance, which could be a key advantage in this match.

Himachal Pradesh (HIM)

• Himachal Pradesh has struggled in their last five games, winning only once.
• However, they have the potential to disrupt the opposition with their all-round capabilities, especially through Pukhraj Mann and Vaibhav Arora.
• Their death-over bowlers have been instrumental in tight matches, which could prove crucial in a high-scoring game.

Key Players to Watch

Chhattisgarh (CHA)

• Ashutosh Singh: A dynamic middle-order batsman with a knack for scoring quickly.
• Sanjeet Desai: A reliable wicketkeeper-batsman who can stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed.
• Shashank Singh: A consistent opener who has shown the ability to anchor the innings.
• Sourabh Majumdar: A versatile all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Himachal Pradesh (HIM)

• Pukhraj Mann: A standout performer with match-winning contributions in both departments.
• Vaibhav Arora: A crucial death-over bowler with a good strike rate and ability to contain runs.
• Innesh Mahajan: A solid middle-order batsman with experience in high-pressure situations.
• Ankit Kalsi: A left-arm seamer who can exploit the conditions and pick up early wickets.

Strategic Insights

• For Chhattisgarh: The team must focus on a strong start with the bat to set a competitive total. With spinners in the mix, they should look to rotate the strike and build a platform for the lower order.
• For Himachal Pradesh: The focus should be on adapting quickly to the pitch conditions. If the toss goes against them, a patient chase with the bat and disciplined spin bowling could be the key to victory.

Injury Updates

• No injury updates have been reported for either team as of now.

Squads

Chhattisgarh (CHA):

• Ashutosh Singh
• Sanjeet Desai
• Shashank Singh
• Sourabh Majumdar
• Sahban Khan
• Mayank Verma
• Prateek Yadav
• Ajay Jadav Mandal
• Anuj Tiwary
• Prashant Meena

Himachal Pradesh (HIM):

• Pukhraj Mann
• Vaibhav Arora
• Innesh Mahajan
• Ankit Kalsi
• Mridul Surroch
• Vipin Sharma
• Nikhil Gangta
• Mayank Dagar
• Mukul Negi
• Akash Vasishth

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Small League (SL) Must-Picks:

• Chhattisgarh: Sanjeet Desai, Shashank Singh
• Himachal Pradesh: Pukhraj Mann, Vaibhav Arora

Grand League (GL) Risky Picks:

• Chhattisgarh: Ajay Jadav Mandal, Anuj Tiwary
• Himachal Pradesh: Mridul Surroch, Vipin Sharma

Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:

• Captain: Ashutosh Singh (CHA) or Pukhraj Mann (HIM)
• Vice-Captain: Vaibhav Arora (HIM) or Sanjeet Desai (CHA)

Where to Watch & Live Scores

• Live Streaming: Available on Possible11, Cricbuzz, and ESPNcricinfo.
• Live Scores & Updates: Fans can follow the match in real-time through the Possible11 website or mobile app.

Prediction

This match promises to be a close contest, with both teams having the potential to win. Chhattisgarh’s strong batting and spin-friendly pitch may give them a slight edge, but Himachal’s aggressive bowling and all-round capabilities could turn the tide. The toss could be a pivotal factor in deciding the outcome.

Prediction: Chhattisgarh by 5-10 runs

Head-to-Head Insights

• The teams have faced each other in previous editions of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Chhattisgarh having a marginal advantage in recent encounters.
• Fans are advised to check the Possible11 App for the latest head-to-head data and performance stats.

Conclusion

The Chhattisgarh vs Himachal Pradesh match on January 3, 2026, promises to be an exciting encounter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With both teams looking to bounce back from inconsistent form, the battle between the spinners and the batters could define the outcome. Fans and fantasy players alike should keep a close eye on the toss and early momentum as the match unfolds.
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