Is Shardul Thakur Ready to Lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy Opener Against J&K?
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Synopsis
Shardul Thakur's leadership marks a new chapter for Mumbai's cricket as they prepare for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season opener against Jammu and Kashmir. With key players returning and others missing out, this season promises excitement and challenges for the 42-time champions.
Key Takeaways
- Shardul Thakur is the new captain of Mumbai for the Ranji Trophy 2025–26.
- Key players Sarfaraz Khan and Ajinkya Rahane are part of the squad.
- Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw are notable absentees.
- Mumbai begins their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on October 15.
- The match will take place at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
Mumbai, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has designated Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur as the captain of Mumbai for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season. This announcement was made on Friday, with Sarfaraz Khan and Ajinkya Rahane also named in the 16-member squad for the season opener against Jammu and Kashmir.
Thakur succeeds Rahane, who has relinquished his leadership position ahead of the new season.
The squad includes Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan, who has been absent from the national Test team for a while, along with all-rounder Shivam Dube, a regular in India's T20I setup.
Musheer Khan, who was sidelined for most of the 2024–25 domestic season due to a car accident, makes his return, while promising opener Ayush Mhatre, who has represented India’s U-19 team on recent tours of England and Australia, secures a spot.
However, the squad will miss Shreyas Iyer, who has temporarily withdrawn from red-ball cricket due to a back issue, and Prithvi Shaw, who has moved to Maharashtra after losing his position last season.
Another significant absentee is Suryakumar Yadav, who participated in Mumbai's semifinal match against Vidarbha last season—a match that ended in an 80-run defeat to the eventual champions.
The 42-time Ranji champions will commence their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar on October 15. Mumbai, placed in Elite Group D, will compete against Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Puducherry in the league stage.
Mumbai squad: 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.
Point of View
We recognize the significance of Shardul Thakur's appointment as captain. It reflects Mumbai's commitment to fostering talent while adapting to challenges. With notable absences, this season is poised to test the resilience and depth of the team, and we stand united with the Mumbai cricketing community in this journey.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed as the new captain of Mumbai for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season?
Shardul Thakur has been appointed as the new captain of Mumbai for the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.
When does Mumbai's campaign in the Ranji Trophy begin?
Mumbai's campaign in the Ranji Trophy begins on October 15, against Jammu and Kashmir.
Which notable players are included in the Mumbai squad?
The Mumbai squad includes notable players such as Sarfaraz Khan, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Dube.
Why are some key players missing from the squad?
Key players like Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw are missing due to injury and team changes, respectively.
Where will the match against Jammu and Kashmir be held?
The match against Jammu and Kashmir will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
