With the Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 tournament reaching its round five, Mumbai is taking on Puducherry at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC in Mumbai. In the game, which began on Sunday November 16,
Puducherry won the toss and elected to bowl first, thus inviting ShardulThakur-led Mumbai to bat first.
Having secured the top of the table position in the Elite Group D in the prestigious domestic cricket tournament, saw a surprising move as veteran Mumbai batter and former skipper Ajinkya Rahane missed a place in the XI. However, no reason has been given for Rahane’s omission from the side, raising a several eyebrows despite his numbers speaking for himself.
Ajinkya Rahane ruled out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy clash with unexplained reason
Although, the reason from Ajinkya Rahane’s omission remains unknown, it is speculated to come after series of low scores. While some have also speculated injury issue or personal concerns, it could also come after the 37-year-old missed the optional training session on Saturday, November 15. While the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) have remained tight-lipped over the same, it could come after string of low scores.
Notably, out of six innings he has featured in Ranji trophy, Rahane has struggled to get runs on the scoreboard. While he racked up 159 off 303 in match against Chattisgarh, he registered low scores of 18, 2 and 3 in he remaining innings. It continues to remain unknown whether Rahane will be called in for Mumbai’s next game, which is scheduled against Hyderabad.
Mumbai’s Playing XI vs Puducherry in Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26:
Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Anand (wk), Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur (C), Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi Tushar Deshpande.
