New skipper, debutants as Kenya names Challenge League A squad

Cricket Kenya's Men's selection panel has named the Senior Men’s squad that will feature in the first round of the 2024-2026 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A tournament later this month in Nairobi, Kenya.

Shem Ngoche will make his third stint as skipper, picking up the laurels from Rakep Patel for the second time in their joint career. Ngoche first took over Patel in 2018 and relinquished the armband to Sachin Bhudia in 2022 ahead of the T20 sub Regional Qualifier in Rwanda in December 2022.

Perhaps the biggest news coming out of the camp is the return of Dhiren Gondaria, who makes his return to the side since he featured in the Oman leg of the

2019-2022 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B tournament in December 2019.

On the backdrop of Gondaria's return, All-rounder Sachin Gill finally lands his maiden List A call - up after featuring in July’s two-match 50 over friendly matches against Nigeria. The 27 year old finds his way into the side after meeting the conditions of ICC Exceptional Circumstances. Gill is currently plying his trade in the Super League side -Swamibapa Sports Club after playing for Ruaraka Sports Club for the last two seasons.

Neil Mugabe is the other List A debutant, having already made his T20I debut in December 2023 in Benoni, South Africa, during the Africa Cup East - West prequalifying round.

Sukhdeep Singh makes way for Irfan Karim who was dropped from the All Africa Games in Accra and the subsequent 4-nation and Nigeria bilateral in June/July.

The Kanbis Sports Club pair of Nelson Odhiambo and Emmanuel Bundi have also been left out of the side.

Kenya’s first fixture at the Challenge Cup is against Jersey at Ruaraka Sports Club on Wednesday 25 September.

Squad

1. Shem Ngoche (captain)

2. Rakep Patel

3. Pushkar Sharma

4. Rushab Patel

5. Francis Mutua

6. Gerard Muthui

7. Sachin Gill

8. Neil Mugabe

9. Vraj Patel