The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the squad for the team’s squad for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener against Jammu and Kashmir. The team, led by captain Shardul Thakur, will commence their campaign by taking on J&K in their first game of the tournament in Srinagar from October 15-18.
Suryakumar Yadav skips Ranji opener
India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav hasn’t confirmed his availability. MCA secretary Abhay Hadap confirmed that Suryakumar hasn’t been dropped. Perhaps, he wishes to take a rest before jetting off to Australia.
“No, SKY hasn’t been dropped. It’s just that his availability wasn’t confirmed for this match. The Mumbai Cricket Association’s staff tried to contact him (to ask if he would play in the match), but he didn’t give his availability for this match to us,” Hadap told the Times of India.
The 16-member squad comprises a majority of players who were a part of the three-day practice game against Maharashtra prior to their Ranji Trophy opener. Ajinkya Rahane, who resigned as the Mumbai captain ahead of the upcoming domestic season, has also been named a part of the squad.
Mumbai has named a power-packed squad for their Ranji Trophy opener, backing star performers from the previous edition like Mulani, Kotian, and Lad. T20I star Dube and India U19 captain Ayush Mhatre have also been named a part of the side for the game against J&K.
Sarfaraz Khan, who was not considered for selection in the IND vs WI Test series, will make his comeback, having received a fitness clearance from the BCCI yesterday. He will be playing alongside his younger brother Musheer Khan. Aakash Anand will be the first-choice wicketkeeper while Hardik Tamore has been named as a backup.
Tushar Deshpande also returns to the Mumbai setup after missing the entire 2024-25 season due to an ankle injury. After falling short against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final in the last edition, MUM will be hoping to start the tournament on a high note.
Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy opener vs J&K
Shardul Thakur (c), Ayush Mhatre, Aakash Anand (wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Sylvester Dsouza, Hardik Tamore (wk), Irfan Umair, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Royston Dias.
