India, Nov. 11 -- Karan Sharma will carry both the weight of last season's disappointing league campaign and the belief that this squad can finally turn promise into a title challenge as he leads Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy later this week.

UP finished sixth in the seven-team Elite Group B in 2025-26, winning three and losing four of their seven matches for 12 points, and Sharma knows the side must convert its talent into consistency.

The all-rounder has been entrusted with the captaincy for the 2026 edition, with Uttar Pradesh opening their campaign against Rajasthan in Mumbai on November 14. The 18-member squad blends experience like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Mohsin Khan and Yash Dayal with younger players such ...