The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has unveiled its 16-man squad for the Ranji Trophy Elite season opener against Chandigarh, scheduled to begin at the Wankhede Stadium on October 11. Siddhesh Lad will captain the side, while 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre has been appointed as vice-captain. Selection committee chief Rajesh Pawar emphasized that the board views Mhatre as a future leader, noting that the youngster has already demonstrated his capabilities during the Under-19 World Cup title campaign. Therefore, could not be considered for the Ranji opener, the pace-bowling all-rounder.
Despite expressing his availability to the selection panel, former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was not included in the squad. Suryakumar, who has not played competitive cricket since the Mumbai T20 League in June, has been absent from the red-ball format for 18 months. Pawar explained that the decision was strategic, aiming to ensure the veteran batsman gains necessary match fitness in long-format cricket before returning to the first-class setup. The selectors believe he needs to get back into a rhythm through several red-ball games first. He has played only 13 first-class matches in two years. “He is obviously a big-match player and a proven performer for Mumbai. When asked about it, MCA sources declined to get into the matter.
The squad does feature Indian Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has confirmed his availability for the opening fixture. Sarfaraz Khan, who recently participated in the Irani Cup, is also included, though the management declined to comment on leadership considerations regarding his role. Meanwhile, the team will be without former captain Shardul Thakur for the start of the tournament. Pawar confirmed that Thakur is currently dealing with a fractured right middle finger, which may rule him out for the team’s first two matches.
Further adjustments were required due to international commitments, as Suryansh Shedge was called up to the India A squad for the one-day series in Puducherry. His selection for the national camp made him ineligible for the Mumbai opener. With these changes, the 42-time champions look to balance developmental goals with a strong push for a successful start in the upcoming 2026-27 domestic season.
