Mumbai will begin their 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar without two of their biggest stars Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer.
Suryakumar unavailable, not dropped
Both players were part of the initial 16-member squad but will miss the season opener. Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary Abhay Hadap clarified, “We tried to contact Suryakumar to confirm his availability, but he didn’t respond. He hasn’t been dropped.”
The 35-year-old, currently India’s T20 captain, has focused mainly on white-ball cricket. Last season, he scored 109 runs in three matches, including a vital 70 in the quarterfinals. Across 86 first-class games, Suryakumar Yadav has 5,758 runs at an average of 42.33, with 14 centuries and 30 fifties.
Shreyas Iyer opts out with injury
Shreyas Iyer has decided to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket to recover from back issues. This will be Mumbai’s first Ranji match in several years without either of the two stalwarts.
Thakur leads a strong squad
Led by Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai squad features a mix of experience and fresh talent. India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre joins directly from Australia. Veterans Ajinkya Rahane, Tushar Deshpande, and Musheer Khan return after injuries.
Sarfaraz Khan, back from a quadriceps injury, and Shivam Dube, fresh from his Asia Cup form, strengthen the middle order. Wicketkeepers Aakash Anand and Hardik Tamore provide depth behind the stumps.
Balancing youth and experience
The absence of Suryakumar and Iyer changes the team’s balance, but Sanju Samson’s inclusion brings leadership and power to the lineup. Mumbai will depend on the returning seniors and young players to step up.
A test of depth and resilience
The opener in Srinagar will test Mumbai’s depth early in the season. For rising players like Ayush Mhatre, this is a golden opportunity to prove their mettle. Despite missing key names, Mumbai’s mix of veterans and youngsters gives them plenty of confidence heading into the tournament.
