The 9th match of the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 features a high-stakes encounter between defending champions Haridwar Elmas and Dehradun Warriors. The primary narrative centers around Dehradun captain Kunal Chandela, who famously led Haridwar to the title in the previous season before moving to the Warriors for the 2026 campaign.
Haridwar Elmas enter this fixture in peak form, having won their first two matches of the season, including a dominant 7-wicket victory over the Rishikesh River Kings on September 24. Dehradun Warriors, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance but remain heavily dependent on Chandela’s batting at the top of the order. Given Haridwar’s superior squad depth and unbeaten streak, they start as favorites at a venue where they have historically performed well.
Match Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Haridwar Elmas vs Dehradun Warriors, Match 9 |
| Series | Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 |
| Date | September 26, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun |
Pitch Report
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium continues to provide a flat deck that significantly aids stroke play. With an average first-innings score of approximately 177 in the UPL, batters are expected to dominate once again. Pace bowlers may find slight movement with the new ball during the first few overs, but the ball generally comes onto the bat well. Spinners will need to be disciplined, as the shorter boundaries make any lack of length costly. Chasing has historically been difficult at this venue unless the side keeps wickets in hand for the final five overs.
Probable Playing XIs
Haridwar Elmas (Probable)
Saurabh Rawat (WK), Daksh Awana, Shashwat Dangwal, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Dhruv Pratap Singh, Abhay Chhetri, Rakshit Dalakoti, Janmejay Joshi, Rakshit Rohi, Sachin Yadav, Saurav Chauhan.
Dehradun Warriors (Probable)
Sanskar Rawat, Kunal Chandela (C), Devendra Singh Bora, Neeraj Rathour, Taksh Rawat, Aditya Dilip Rawat, Shaurya Pratap Singh, Aditya Rawat, Sonu Saini, Sumit Juyal, Uzair Malik.
Wicketkeeper Picks
- Saurabh Rawat: A reliable middle-order batter for Haridwar who provides stability and safe hands behind the stumps. He is a primary pick given his role in the top five.
Batter Picks
- Kunal Chandela: The central figure for Dehradun Warriors. Chandela will be highly motivated against his former side and remains their most consistent run-scorer.
- Daksh Awana: An aggressive top-order batter for the Elmas who has the ability to exploit the powerplay overs on this flat surface.
- Shashwat Dangwal: Provides technical solidity to the Haridwar batting unit and is capable of anchoring the innings.
All-rounder Picks
- Yuvraj Chaudhary: The most valuable asset in the Haridwar lineup. He offers significant impact with his Left Arm Orthodox spin and bats in the crucial number 4 position.
- Abhay Chhetri: A versatile player who has been contributing with both bat and ball in Haridwar’s winning run.
- Shaurya Pratap Singh: A key all-rounder for the Warriors who provides balance to the middle order and useful overs in the middle phase.
Bowler Picks
- Sonu Saini: Dehradun’s primary strike bowler, known for picking up wickets in the powerplay and during the death overs.
- Rakshit Rohi: A consistent performer for Haridwar who has been instrumental in their recent back-to-back victories.
- Uzair Malik: A disciplined bowler who uses the conditions in Dehradun effectively to maintain pressure on the opposition.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Captain: Yuvraj Chaudhary (His all-round utility and current form make him the safest captaincy choice).
- Vice-Captain: Kunal Chandela (The engine room of the Warriors’ batting; expected to play a long innings).
Suggested Fantasy XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Saurabh Rawat | Haridwar Elmas |
| Batter | Kunal Chandela (VC) | Dehradun Warriors |
| Batter | Daksh Awana | Haridwar Elmas |
| Batter | Shashwat Dangwal | Haridwar Elmas |
| All-rounder | Yuvraj Chaudhary (C) | Haridwar Elmas |
| All-rounder | Abhay Chhetri | Haridwar Elmas |
| All-rounder | Dhruv Pratap Singh | Haridwar Elmas |
| All-rounder | Shaurya Pratap Singh | Dehradun Warriors |
| Bowler | Sonu Saini | Dehradun Warriors |
| Bowler | Rakshit Rohi | Haridwar Elmas |
| Bowler | Uzair Malik | Dehradun Warriors |
CricXtra prediction: Haridwar Elmas have the stronger case for victory given their recent momentum and superior squad depth. However, Kunal Chandela’s knowledge of the opposition makes the Warriors a dangerous side. Fans should verify the confirmed XI and toss result at 02:30 PM IST before finalizing their teams.