Despite BCCI’s directive to players to participate in domestic cricket, former India captain Rohit Sharma has not been included in Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal and all-rounder Shivam Dubey have also not been included in the Mumbai team.
The Mumbai Cricket Association held a selection meeting on Friday, December 19, to finalize the squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 50-over tournament is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 24. Notably, the BCCI has reportedly urged players to participate in at least two matches in the List-A competition.
Participating in the domestic tournament will help the players to be match ready ahead of the home ODI series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place in January 2026.
Mumbai selectors clarify on absence of Rohit Sharma and other players
According to Times of India, Mumbai selectors have said that Indian players will be included in the team after ensuring their availability. Rohit Sharma has shown interest in making a comeback to domestic cricket as part of his plans, as has Virat Kohli, who has been named in Delhi’s provisional squad.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dubey are unavailable as they are currently part of India’s ongoing T20I series against South Africa. Both players are also expected to remain with the national team for the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is absent due to health reasons. The young opener is recovering from gastroenteritis after playing for Mumbai in the latter stages of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He recently shared an update on social media, confirming that he is feeling better.
It is not right to keep his name in the team – Selection Committee Chairman
Sanjay Patil, chairman of Mumbai’s senior selection committee, said it would be unfair to name unavailable players as it could block opportunities for young cricketers. Patil also confirmed that Jaiswal will be brought into the team only after getting clearance from the medical team.
“All these Indian players will be included in the Mumbai team if they are available. If they are not available, it is not right to name them in the team and deny a place to a young player,” Sanjay Patil told TOI.
Patil said, “After getting clearance from the medical team, he will be included in the Mumbai team.”
Mumbai set to begin 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign against Sikkim
Mumbai will begin their 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign with a match against Sikkim on December 24. The group stage of the tournament will run from December 24 to January 8, with all Mumbai’s matches being played in Jaipur.
The Shardul Thakur-led team has been placed in Elite Group C along with Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Goa.
Notably, the group stage will end just days before India’s ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11. The Vijay Hazare Trophy is expected to be important for players striving for national selection.
Apart from Sarfaraz Khan, the Mumbai team also includes young batsmen Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Musheer Khan. Opener Ishan Moolchandani has been included in the team for the first time. Experienced batsman Ajinkya Rahane will not be able to play in the initial matches as he is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Also read: Sourav Ganguly files ₹50 crore defamation suit over Lionel Messi Kolkata event controversy
