Former India captain Rohit Sharma has not been named in Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. You would expect him to feature, especially after the BCCI asked all fit and available India players to play domestic cricket.
Big names missing from Mumbai squad
Rohit last played the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai in 2018, against Hyderabad in the semifinals. He is not alone this time. Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and all rounder Shivam Dube are also missing from the initial squad.
Why Suryakumar and Dube are absent
Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube are tied up with India’s T20 plans. You can see the logic here. With the T20 World Cup in 2026, workload management remains the priority for both players.
Jaiswal recovering from illness
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s situation is different. He is recovering from gastroenteritis after falling ill during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Pune. You should expect him to join the squad once doctors give him clearance.
Selectors explain Rohit’s omission
Sanjay Patil, who heads Mumbai’s selection panel, said the team did not want to block spots for youngsters. You cannot name senior players like Rohit if they are unsure about availability, as it costs a young player a chance.
India players can still join later
Patil made it clear that all India players will be added once available. If they are free, Mumbai will accommodate them. If not, selectors believe it is unfair to include them and bench emerging talent.
Rohit on break but still training
Rohit last played for India on December 6 and has been on a break since then. You have seen videos of him training in the gym, even as he spends time with his family during the gap.
BCCI rule adds pressure
The BCCI recently reinforced its rule that India players must play at least two Vijay Hazare matches. Exceptions apply only for injury or rehabilitation, which puts senior players under closer scrutiny.
Schedule gives Rohit enough time
India’s next assignment is the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. You can clearly see that Rohit has time, as the Vijay Hazare group stage runs from December 24 to January 8.
Need for match practice
Rohit finished the year with 650 international runs, just one behind Virat Kohli. With fewer ODIs scheduled, you know he needs regular match practice, especially with the 2027 World Cup in mind.
Kohli set to play for Delhi
While Rohit stays out, Virat Kohli is expected to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi. He features in their probable squad along with Rishabh Pant, which has drawn plenty of attention.
Possible homecoming venue
Delhi’s matches could move to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. If that happens, you will see Kohli playing at a venue that feels like home, adding extra interest to the tournament.
Mumbai squad details
Mumbai are placed in Elite Group C and will play all group matches in Jaipur. Shardul Thakur will captain the side across formats, leading a balanced squad of youth and experience.
Fresh faces and returns
Opener Ishan Mulchandani has earned his first call-up. Sarfaraz Khan comes in after a strong Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and his brother Musheer Khan also finds a place in the squad.
