Will Suryakumar Yadav Play in Two Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches in January 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube are set to play in two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
- Mumbai's campaign begins against Sikkim on December 24.
- Participation in domestic cricket is crucial for maintaining player skills.
- The BCCI encourages greater involvement from international players.
- India will face New Zealand in T20Is starting January 21.
New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of India's T20I team, along with all-rounder Shivam Dube, has officially communicated to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that they are available to participate in two upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy matches set for January 6 and 8.
The Mumbai team will kick off their 50-over tournament in Jaipur starting December 24, facing Sikkim in their first league match on Wednesday. According to a report from Indian Express, both Suryakumar and Dube are expected to take part in matches against Himachal Pradesh on January 6 and Punjab on January 8.
“Surya and Dube have confirmed their participation in the two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches on January 6th and 8th. They will be included in the Mumbai squad. Regarding Rohit Sharma, he is slated to play in two league games as well,” an MCA representative stated in the report.
All players who contributed to India’s recent 3-1 T20I series win over South Africa have been instructed to participate in a minimum of two matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The BCCI has emphasized this requirement for its contracted players, aiming for enhanced involvement in domestic cricket.
Earlier this year, selection committee chair Ajit Agarkar highlighted the necessity for international players to engage in domestic competitions whenever their schedules permit.
“We have reiterated over the past couple of years that players should participate in domestic cricket whenever they are available. This is crucial to maintain sharpness and stay active in the game, especially during long breaks. Whether this is feasible alongside international commitments remains to be seen, but players should make an effort to engage in domestic cricket,” Agarkar remarked.
The Indian T20I squad will enjoy a brief hiatus before reconvening in Nagpur for the initial match of five T20Is against New Zealand on January 21. This series will precede India's defense of their T20 World Cup title against the USA at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7.
In the interim, Rohit and Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur are expected to arrive in Jaipur on Monday, participating in a practice session the following day. Mumbai's opening two tournament fixtures will be against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26, both held in Jaipur.