The Mumbai Cricket Association has announced its investigation for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, and as expected, all-rounder Shardul Thakur has been named as Skipper of the side.
Ajinkya Rahane had earlier confirmed that he would not be able to continue as the captain of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team, and therefore, the new captain was to be nominated for the Ranji Trophy season.
Shardul Thakur named Mumbai captain for the upcoming Ranji season
After Ajinkya Rahane announced his decision to withdraw from the role of a Mumbai captain, it was under speculation that Shreyas Iyer could be planted to lead the red-ball side. He has been the captain of the White-Ball Side.
However, the batsman had recently announced his decision to move away from Red-Ball cricket for a period of six months, resulting in MCA to declare Shardul Thakur as the new captain.
It was back in the last season that Shardul Thakur started his captaincy for Mumbai, leading him to lead in two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, this will be the first time that Shardul will lead a first class team.
Sarfaraz Khan to return to action; Mumbai also returns the youth in the new season
On the other hand, Mumbai has other good news after an unrelated season in the Indian domestic circuit. He has not played a competitive match from May and will finally return to Mumbai for the upcoming season.
He has also improved his fitness after being dropped from the Indian team. He lost 17 kg amidst the struggle with injuries and missed the series of India -e -vs Australia along with the Dalip Trophy. At the top of it, he has not been selected for the India vs. West Indies Test series in October.
Mumbai is also looking forward for the season, supporting his youth Ayush Matre, Mushir Khan and Angakirsh Raghuvanshi.
Mumbai Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Squad: Shardul Thakur (C), Ayush Matre, Mushir Khan, Angkarish Raghuvanshi, Akhil Harvadkar, Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Suved Parkar, Suryash Shej, Akash Parker, Tushar Desh, Efrave, Efrave, Anand (WK), Hardi Tamor (WK), Hardi Tamor (WK), Prasad Pawar (WK), Prasad Prasad Prasad Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Atharva Ankolekar, and Ishan Mulchandani.
Shardul Thakur falls from India XI after disappointing run in England series
Shardul Thakur was part of the India vs England series, held in July-August window. All -rounder played only in some games for India and did not leave a positive impact on the series.
Neither he could contribute significantly with the bat nor was he effective with the ball in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Following the unrelated form in the previous series against England, the speedster has been removed from India’s squad for the upcoming home series against the West Indies.
Now with additional responsibilities, Mumbai captain will be eager to make a command back in the Indian side, beyond the next domestic series against South Africa.
Also read: ‘India built a lot of housing for Jaspreet Bumrah’: East-RCB Star sent Gautam Gambhir ‘0-3 vs NZ’ reminder
