Suryakumar Ranji Omission
Mumbai Leaves Suryakumar Yadav Out Of Ranji Trophy Opener Squad Citing Red-Ball Rhythm
Anonymous
Mumbai left former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav out of its 16-player squad for the Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh, despite reports that he made himself available. Selectors said he needs to regain red-ball rhythm after roughly 18 months without playing the format; the Mumbai Cricket Association also reportedly cited his absence from pre-season camp and delayed response to its approach. Chief selector Rajesh Pawar said Suryakumar could return after playing red-ball matches. Siddhesh Lad will captain, with teenage Ayush Mhatre—recently a leader of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning side—named vice-captain; Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan and Shams Mulani are also among those selected. Shardul Thakur is unavailable because of injury, and the match is scheduled to begin October 11.
Key Points
1
The MCA reportedly wants Suryakumar to play local red-ball competitions, such as the Police Shield or Purushottam Shield, before being reconsidered for Mumbai’s Ranji side.
2
Suryakumar’s most recent first-class appearance was the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy semi-final; he had scored 70 in the quarter-final against Haryana before making 0 and 23 in the semi-final against Vidarbha.
3
Chief selector Rajesh Pawar said Yashasvi Jaiswal was selected because he also needed match practice, and Mumbai announced a squad only for the opener because Jaiswal could be picked for India’s senior or A team touring New Zealand.
4
Ayush Mhatre has played only 13 first-class matches in the past two years; selectors reportedly view the 19-year-old’s vice-captaincy as part of a plan to groom him for future leadership.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
27
Articles
21
Reach
48
Topics
A
AnonymousAuthor
