The Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav's absence from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad for the opening round has sparked speculations, with many assuming that the batter has been dropped from the squad.
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The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has issued a clarification regarding the exclusion of the star player, stating that the delay in confirmation led to his absence from the squad.
Suryakumar Yadav was not dropped from the Ranji squad, says MCA
Mumbai announced a 16-member squad for the opening round of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. A noticeable absence from the squad was India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, which led to a lot of debate.
The side will play their season opener against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar from October 15th. Shardul Thakur will lead the side, taking over from Ajinkya Rahane
"No, SKY hasn't been dropped. It's just that his availability wasn't confirmed for this match. The Mumbai Cricket Association's staff tried to contact him (to ask if he would play in the match), but he didn't give his availability for this match to us," MCA secretary Abhay Hadap told to TOI.
READ: When will the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season begin? Start date, captains, formats and groups detailed
Surya hasn't featured in a first-class match since February this year. He was expected to make a comeback to the red-ball side, but with his absence from the first round, he will most likely miss the domestic action for some more time.
India's T20I side will travel to Australia for a 5-match T20 series strating October 29, which could rule the batter out of few more games of the Ranji season.
Despite Surya's absence, Mumbai will field a strong side. Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Ayush Mhatre are all part of the squad, while India's T20I all-rounder Shivam Dube will also feature in the first round before flying out to Australia.
Mumbai's squad against Jammu and Kashmir
Shardul Thakur (capt), Ayush Mhatre, Aakash Anand (wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Sylvester D'Souza, Hardik Tamore (wk), Irfan Umair, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Royston Dias
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