The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced their probable squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. Expectedly, Shardul Thakur has been named captain. Reports had suggested that the all-rounder would be the next man in charge, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.
Shardul Thakur, Mumbai’s new Ranji Trophy captain
At that time, it was curious why Shreyas Iyer, who has been leading Mumbai in white-ball cricket, wouldn’t take charge. But his recent decision to step away from red-ball cricket for sixth months explains MCA’s decision now.
It was only last year that Shardul made his captaincy debut for Mumbai, leading them for two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. But the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season will mark the first time he’ll lead in first-class cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan back in action
Sarfaraz Khan, who hasn’t played a competitive match since May, will finally be back in action. The last few months haven’t been great for the 27-year-old. Although he improved his fitness by losing 17 kilograms, he has been struggling with injuries.
Having suffered a quadriceps injury in the Buchi Babu Tournament in August, Sarfaraz missed the Duleep Trophy and the India A series against Australia A. On top of this, he hasn’t been selected for the India vs West Indies Test series for the very same reason.
Sarfaraz had missed the entire Ranji Trophy last year. The first half was due to international commitments for India, and the second half was due to a rib injury.
Mumbai’s probables Ranji Trophy 2025-26 squad
Shardul Thakur (c), Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Akhil Herwadkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Suved Parkar, Suryansh Shedge, Akash Parkar, Tushar Deshpande, Sylvester Dsouza, Irfan Umair, Roystan Dias, Pratik Mishra, Akash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Prasad Pawar (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Atharva Ankolekar, and Ishan Mulchandani.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
