The Mumbai Cricket Association on Friday, October 10 announced their Ranji Trophy squad for the opening match against Jammu & Kashmir, which is scheduled to be played from October 15 to 18 in Srinagar.
The side has seen several changes with Yashasvi Jaiswal and a few others changing their bases to other cricket clubs. Moreover, in a major change, Shardul Thakur has been handed the captaincy role, replacing Ajinkya Rahane.
It is to be noted that Ajinkya Rahane stepped downed from the leadership role ahead of the new season, claiming that “it’s the right time to groom a new leader”. However, he confirmed his participation as a player writing, “Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai tam has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader. And hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with MCA to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season."
No Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener
The 42-time champions will see Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur lead the side, the squad also includes batter Sarfaraz Khann and all-rounder Shivam Dube. Also Musheer Khan, who missed majority of the last season due to a car accident, will return for the side, along with youngster Ayush Mhatre.
But in a notable move, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill’s deputy in ODIs, Shreyas Iyer haven’t found a place in the squad. However, the reason behind this is not known, but the two will be seen during the Australia tour, which commences from October 19.
Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy:
Shardul Thakur (c), Ayush Mhatre, Akash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Siddhesh Lad, Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Sylvester D’Souza, Irfan Umair, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Royston Dias.
