Mumbai names Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ayush Mhatre as vice‑captain for Ranji Trophy opener, Suryakumar Yadav excluded

Mumbai have announced a 16‑player squad for the 2026‑27 Ranji Trophy season opener against Chandigarh, set to take place from October 11 to 14 at Wankhede Stadium. Siddhesh Lad will captain the team, with Ayush Mhatre, the 2026 Under‑19 World Cup‑winning skipper, named as his vice‑captain.

Star Indian Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been recalled to the Mumbai squad for the fixture, marking his return to domestic red‑ball cricket. Suryakumar Yadav, who communicated his availability to the selectors, was not chosen, while all‑rounder Shardul Thakur remains sidelined due to injury.

In the 2026‑27 season, Mumbai and Chandigarh are grouped together in Elite Group D alongside Haryana, Rajasthan, Railways, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.

Why has Yashasvi Jaiswal been recalled for Mumbai’s Ranji opener?

Jaiswal’s comeback to the Mumbai side is aimed at gaining competitive red‑ball match practice ahead of a possible international assignment. Chief selector Rajesh Pawar confirmed that Jaiswal was contacted and expressed his availability. Pawar added that Jaiswal may be considered for either the senior India team or the India A squad touring New Zealand, prompting the selection of the squad solely for the opening match.

“It’s a good thing that Yashasvi is coming here to play for Mumbai. He also needs match practice. When asked, he said he is available, so that’s a good thing. There is a chance that he might be in either the senior or the A team touring for New Zealand; thus, we only announced the squad for the first match.” Pawar said in a statement as quoted by Indian Express.

Why has Suryakumar Yadav been left out despite his availability?

Suryakumar Yadav communicated his willingness to play to the MCA selection panel, yet the selectors opted not to include him for the Chandigarh fixture. The main rationale given was his extended absence from red‑ball cricket.

“He is a very big player. But he hasn’t played red-ball cricket in the last one and a half years. Should he play a few red-ball games, he can definitely come into the side,” Pawar explained.

Sarfaraz Khan, who recently represented the Rest of India in the Irani Cup, retains his place in the squad. Shams Mulani has also been included, having contributed with both bat and ball in aiding India A to a 1‑0 victory in an unofficial two‑match Test series against Australia A.

Mumbai full squad for the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 opener vs Chandigarh

The 16‑member Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy opener includes Siddhesh Lad (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ayush Mhatre (vice‑captain), Divyansh Saxena, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Suved Parkar, Aakash Anand (wicket‑keeper), Hardik Tamore (wicket‑keeper), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza and Onkar Tarmale.

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