The Mumbai senior selection committee has announced its 16-member squad for the opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season against Chandigarh, beginning October 11 at Wankhede Stadium. While the squad features high-profile names including India Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan, the notable absence of T20 World Cup-winning captain
Despite Yadav confirming his availability and desire to participate, selectors opted to exclude the 36-year-old on the grounds that he requires more red-ball match practice. Yadav has not featured in a first-class fixture for 18 months and did not participate in the team's recent pre-season tournaments or intra-squad matches. Rajesh Pawar, head of the selection committee, emphasized that the decision was aimed at ensuring players have sufficient rhythm before integrating into the side.
Leadership Changes and Squad Selection Strategy
In a move to balance experience with future development, the committee has appointed veteran batter
The selection process was influenced by the need to maintain squad stability. According to a Mumbai Cricket Association source, including Yadav would have necessitated dropping Musheer Khan, who recently impressed with a 96-run performance for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy. Consequently, the committee prioritized current form and the inclusion of younger players who have been active in the domestic circuit.
Injury Concerns and Future Availability
The squad announcement also highlighted a setback for all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Pawar confirmed that Thakur is likely to miss the initial matches of the campaign after sustaining a fracture in his right middle finger during a practice session at the Cricket Club of India. Meanwhile, the availability of several stars remains fluid, with the committee currently selecting squads on a match-by-match basis due to impending national team commitments.
While young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi was omitted from the Ranji squad despite a recent double-century for the Rest of India Under-23 side, selectors confirmed he remains a key part of the Under-23 program. Mumbai’s squad for the Chandigarh clash is rounded out by Divyansh Saxena, Suved Parkar, wicketkeepers Aakash Anand and Hardik Tamore, and bowlers Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, and Onkar Tarmale.
