Nehal Wadhera Joins Himachal Pradesh for 2026-27 Domestic Season

Chandigarh, July 16: Left-handed batter Nehal Wadhera has completed a move from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh ahead of the 2026-27 Indian domestic season, strengthening the hill state's squad after a disappointing campaign last year.

Wadhera struggled for consistent opportunities with Punjab during the 2025-26 season, featuring in just three first-class matches, two List A games and four T20 fixtures. His move sees him become Himachal Pradesh's third guest player from Punjab, joining Pukhraj Mann and Aryaman Singh.

The 24-year-old burst onto the domestic scene with a century on his first-class debut against Gujarat during the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season. He was also a member of Punjab's title-winning Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad in 2023-24.

Across his career, Wadhera has played 17 first-class matches, 16 List A games and 69 T20s, including 44 appearances in the IPL representing the Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings.

Himachal have also welcomed back experienced opener Prashant Chopra, who returns after spending the previous season with Uttarakhand. Chopra endured a modest campaign, scoring 262 runs in seven first-class matches at an average of 23.81, while also making limited appearances in T20 cricket. Despite his availability, he has reportedly not been included in Himachal's ongoing pre-season camp, from which the Ranji Trophy squad will be selected.

The state side has also reshaped its coaching setup, appointing Vineet Saxena as head coach in place of VRV Singh, while Gagandeep Singh takes over as bowling coach.

Himachal Pradesh will be aiming for a fresh start after a difficult 2025-26 domestic season. The team failed to qualify for the knockout stages in any format, finishing at the bottom of their Ranji Trophy group after two defeats and five draws, while also managing only one victory in seven matches during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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