Jharkhand vs Madhya Pradesh – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 Match Preview

Date: January 6, 2026
Time: 03:30 GMT (08:30 AM IST)
Venue: [To Be Confirmed]

Match Context & Background

The upcoming clash between Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 promises to be an intriguing encounter. With both teams vying for a strong position in the group stage, this match is expected to be a closely contested affair. The teams have met in recent campaigns, with Madhya Pradesh showing a slight upper hand in their last five meetings (LWWWW), compared to Jharkhand's inconsistent form (LWLWL). However, in limited-overs cricket, form can shift quickly, and Jharkhand will be eager to put in a strong performance on home soil.

Team Analysis

Jharkhand (JHA)

Jharkhand has had a mixed run in recent matches, with inconsistent performances in the top order and middle overs. However, the team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the death overs, where their bowlers have been effective. If the batters can provide a solid start and reach a competitive total, Jharkhand has the resources to defend or chase effectively.

Key Players to Watch:

• Robin Minz – A top-order batter with consistent performances and a high fantasy point tally (486).
• Shubham Sharma – A middle-order anchor who can change the game with his aggressive stroke play.
• Utkarsh Singh – A reliable all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Madhya Pradesh (MP)

Madhya Pradesh enters the match in better form, having won their last three games. Their top-order batters have been in good rhythm, and their death bowlers have been particularly effective. If they can capitalize on early wickets and maintain pressure, they could dominate the match.

Key Players to Watch:

• Mangesh Yadav – A high-point player with a fantasy score of 912, Yadav is a match-winner with his all-round abilities.
• Rishabh Chouhan – A consistent performer with a good strike rate and a solid presence at the top.
• Venkatesh Iyer – A high-risk, high-reward pick, Iyer can single-handedly change the course of the game with his explosive batting.

Fantasy Cricket Insights

Captaincy Suggestions

• Captain (C): Mangesh Yadav (MP) – For his all-round impact and high consistency.
• Vice-Captain (VC): Robin Minz (JHA) – A strong performer with a high fantasy score.

Small League Picks

• Jharkhand: Robin Minz, Utkarsh Singh
• Madhya Pradesh: Mangesh Yadav, Rishabh Chouhan

Grand League Risky Picks

• Jharkhand: Shubham Sharma, Amit Kumar
• Madhya Pradesh: Venkatesh Iyer, Harpreet Singh Bhatia

Weather & Pitch Conditions

While the exact venue and pitch report are yet to be confirmed, the general conditions in the region during January are usually favorable for batting. Teams will look to chase aggressively, and bowlers will need to be disciplined, especially in the middle overs.

Injury Updates

No injury updates have been reported for either side as of now. Both teams are expected to field full squads.

Live Streaming & Score Updates

Fans can follow the Jharkhand vs Madhya Pradesh live match on the following platforms:

• Cricbuzz – For real-time commentary and score updates.
• ESPNcricinfo – For in-depth match coverage and analysis.
• Possible11 – For fantasy cricket updates and player performance insights.

Conclusion

This match is a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts and fantasy players alike. While Madhya Pradesh enters with a slight edge in form, Jharkhand has the talent to spring a surprise. The battle between the top orders and the death bowlers will be crucial in determining the outcome. With both teams having quality players on the field, this could be a thrilling encounter.

Prediction: Madhya Pradesh to win, but Jharkhand cannot be ruled out.
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