Mumbai Cricket Association has unveiled its squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season opener against Jammu and Kashmir, with seasoned pacer Shardul Thakur appointed as the captain. The 42-time champions will begin their campaign on October 15, aiming for another dominant run in the prestigious domestic tournament. Ajinkya Rahane and promising batsman Sarfaraz Khan have both been selected for the 16-member squad.
This leadership change comes as Ajinkya Rahane has stepped down from the captaincy ahead of the new season. Sarfaraz Khan makes a significant return after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in August. His brother, Musheer Khan, is also back in contention after missing the previous season due to a car accident, adding depth to Mumbai’s batting lineup.
Notably, Indian international Shreyas Iyer has opted out of the squad to manage a recurring back issue, prioritizing his long-term fitness. This break from red-ball cricket means he won’t be available for the initial matches. Meanwhile, former Mumbai stalwart Prithvi Shaw has switched teams and will now represent Maharashtra in the domestic circuit.
Mumbai’s opening fixture against Jammu and Kashmir carries added significance, as they suffered a defeat against the same opponents last season. Jammu and Kashmir, led by Paras Dogra, achieved a notable upset by successfully chasing down 205 runs in a group stage match.
Placed in Elite Group D, Mumbai will compete against Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry, and Jammu and Kashmir. The team is eager to bounce back after reaching the semifinals last year, where they were defeated by eventual champions Vidarbha.
