Shreyas Iyer named Mumbai Captain for Vijay Hazare Trophy, replaces Shardul Thakur

In a major boost for Mumbai cricket, fit-again batter Shreyas Iyer has been named captain for the remaining league games of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, replacing injured allrounder Shardul Thakur.

The 31-year-old middle-order stalwart marks his return to competitive cricket after a three-month layoff due to a serious spleen laceration sustained during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on October 25, 2025, which required hospitalization and internal bleeding treatment.

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Cleared by the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru following a rigorous Return to Play protocol, including a practice match on January 2, Iyer takes charge starting with Mumbai's Group C clash against Himachal Pradesh on January 6 at Jaipur's Jaipura Vidyalaya Ground,

followed by the finale versus Punjab on January 8.

"Shreyas Iyer will take over the leadership responsibilities in place of Shardul Thakur, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and is currently unavailable for selection," stated Mumbai Cricket Association secretary Dr Umesh Khanvilkar.

Sitting second in Group C with four wins from five matches, Mumbai eye a knockout spot in the Elite stage, bolstered by firepower from Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube. MCA chief selector Sanjay Patil highlighted the squad depth: "We have other players such as Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav available, and Shreyas Iyer has been named the Mumbai captain for remaining matches. "

The Association praised Iyer's "calmness, tactical acumen, and strong understanding of the game," confident he will uphold Mumbai's 38-time Ranji legacy in the List A showpiece.

Iyer, if passes with his domestic rehearsal, will go straight into the Indian side for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The three-match series starts from January 11 in Vadodara.