Syed Mushtaq Ali T20: Mumbai coach to players - Stick to the plan vs Delhi

Mumbai captain Suryakumar Yadav

Arch-rivals Mumbai and Delhi will start their Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy campaign against each other at the Wankhede Stadium today.

Suryakumar Yadav, fresh from his 480-run IPL season, will lead Mumbai's challenge while India opener Shikhar Dhawan will be his rival captain.

Delhi's bowling attack will be led by fit-again Ishant Sharma (who missed the Australia tour due to a side strain) against a strong batting line-up comprising Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Siddhesh Lad. "We have a good combination of senior/experienced players as well as youngsters. Definitely, batting is our strength. We just need to stick with our plan and not think about big names in the opposing team," Mumbai coach Amit Pagnis told mid-day on Sunday.

Mumbai coach Amit Pagnis

"We all are excited to play. In the T20 format, the result margin is always very small. So, both teams have a chance to perform well and win. We are well prepared and raring to go," Pagnis remarked.

Meanwhile, Delhi coach Rajkumar Sharma said: "It will be a good contest as Mumbai is also a good team and we respect them. But, we are looking at our strengths."

The coach praised the BCCI for conducting the T20 tournament. "It is very heartening to see that cricket is starting. It was much needed, because players were at home without being able to play. This is a big boost to other domestic tournaments. I must congratulate the BCCI for taking this bold step to start the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament," added Sharma, the childhood coach of India captain Virat Kohli.