The Vijay Hazare Trophy is heating up as Himachal Pradesh (HP) takes on the domestic giants Mumbai (MUM) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. With both teams looking to solidify their positions on the leaderboard, this ODI clash promises plenty of action for fantasy cricket fans. Let’s dive into the stats, pitch report, and player form to help you build a skilled team for your fantasy contests.
Match Details
- Series: Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Match: Himachal vs Mumbai
- Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Date & Time: 06 Jan 2026, 09:00 IST
Weather & Pitch Report
Weather Update: Jaipur in January offers cool mornings and pleasant days. Expect temperatures around 10°C at the start, rising to 22°C. No rain is expected, ensuring a full game. The morning chill might offer some swing to the pacers in the first hour.
Pitch Analysis: The surface at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is generally balanced. The average score in the last 5 matches is 254 runs, suggesting a contest where batters can score if they settle in.
- Pace vs Spin: Pacers have been more effective here recently, picking up 34 wickets compared to 25 by spinners. The new ball bowlers will be crucial in the powerplay.
Team Analysis: Himachal (HP)
Himachal has seen mixed results recently but boasts one of the most in form batters in the tournament. They lost a close high scoring game against Chhattisgarh despite scoring 320, but their batting unit is clicking.
- The Pukhraj Mann Factor: You simply cannot ignore Pukhraj Mann. His last three scores are 134, 110, and 126. He is in the form of his life and is the safest Captaincy choice for your fantasy teams.
- Bowling Attack: Vaibhav Arora and Rohit Kumar are the key pacers. Rohit picked up 5 wickets against Goa recently, while Vaibhav is consistent with the new ball.
Team Analysis: Mumbai (MUM)
Mumbai is a powerhouse, coming off a loss to Maharashtra but having scored massive totals like 444 against Goa earlier. Their depth is their biggest strength.
- All Round Value: Shardul Thakur and Shams Mulani are fantasy gold. Thakur has taken 11 wickets in the series and contributes with the bat. Mulani provides stability with his slow left arm spin and middle order batting.
- Batting Core: Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been consistent at the top (220 series runs). Keep an eye on the lineup to see if heavyweights like Sarfaraz Khan or Yashasvi Jaiswal feature, as domestic rotations are common.
Key Players to Watch
1. Pukhraj Mann (HP): With a series average of 180.5 points and three back to-back centuries, he is the first name on the team sheet. His boundary percentage is high, maximizing fantasy points.
2. Shardul Thakur (MUM): A genuine wicket taker who loves the big stage. With 11 wickets in the series and a strike rate of over 100 with the bat when needed, he offers dual value.
3. Shams Mulani (MUM): He has 8 wickets in the series and averages nearly 100 fantasy points per game. He is excellent for the Vice Captain slot in Mega Leagues.
4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (MUM): A reliable batter who anchors the innings. He scored 92 in the last match and 68 prior to that.
5. Vaibhav Arora (HP): Given the venue supports pacers (34 wickets recently), Arora's swing bowling in the morning session could yield early breakthroughs.
Captaincy & Vice Captaincy Picks
- Safe Captain: Pukhraj Mann, Shardul Thakur
- Differential VC: Shams Mulani, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Risky/Grand League Pick: Rohit Kumar (High wicket potential on his day)
Winning Strategy
Focus on a balanced team. Since the ground stats favor pacers slightly, loading up on death over specialists like Shardul Thakur and Vaibhav Arora is a smart move. However, do not drop the top order batters, as the average score of 254 indicates runs are on offer once the ball gets old.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on historical data and current form. Fantasy sports involve an element of financial risk and may be addictive. Please play responsibly and at your own risk.