Mumbai: Former India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has been left out of Mumbai’s squad for the opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, despite making himself available for the domestic campaign.
In a significant move towards youth, the Mumbai selectors have named 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre as vice-captain under experienced batter Siddhesh Lad, who will lead the side in the season opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium from October 11.
The decision marks another setback for Suryakumar, who was earlier dropped from India’s T20I setup after the 2026 T20 World Cup. His omission from Mumbai’s Ranji squad comes despite reports that he had confirmed his availability for the domestic season.
Suryakumar misses out despite availability
Suryakumar had reportedly made himself available to the Mumbai Cricket Association for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The 36-year-old last played a first-class match for Mumbai in February 2025, when he featured in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha in Nagpur.
Mumbai chief selector Rajesh Pawar indicated that the lack of recent red-ball cricket was a factor in the decision. According to reports, the selectors want Suryakumar to play some red-ball cricket and regain his rhythm before considering him for the squad.
The decision is notable because Suryakumar had expressed his willingness to return to domestic cricket after losing his place in India’s T20I side.
For Mumbai, however, the selectors have opted to begin the campaign with a squad that combines established domestic performers with a younger leadership group.
Ayush Mhatre handed leadership role
The biggest talking point from Mumbai’s squad announcement is the elevation of Ayush Mhatre to vice-captain.
Mhatre has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most promising young batters. He recently led India to the Under-19 World Cup title, strengthening his credentials as a future leader.
His appointment as Siddhesh Lad’s deputy indicates Mumbai’s intention to give the teenager greater responsibility at senior level.
Mhatre has already gained first-class experience, but his promotion to a formal leadership position represents another step in his development. The selectors are understood to be looking beyond the immediate season and preparing the next generation of Mumbai leaders.
Siddhesh Lad to lead Mumbai
With Shardul Thakur dealing with a hand injury, experienced middle-order batter Siddhesh Lad has been named Mumbai’s captain for the upcoming campaign.
Thakur, who captained Mumbai during the 2025-26 domestic season, is expected to miss at least some of the opening matches because of the injury sustained after being struck by a ball in practice.
Lad’s appointment gives Mumbai an experienced figure at the top of the leadership structure, while Mhatre’s presence as vice-captain provides a clear focus on the team’s future.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan included
Mumbai’s squad does include established international players Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan.
Jaiswal had also made himself available for domestic cricket and has been included in the squad, unlike Suryakumar. Sarfaraz’s inclusion adds further experience to the batting line-up.
The squad also features players such as Shams Mulani, who remains an important part of Mumbai’s domestic setup.
Mumbai will therefore enter the season with a blend of international experience, proven domestic performers and emerging youngsters.
Why Suryakumar’s omission matters
Suryakumar’s exclusion is significant because he is one of the most experienced white-ball batters in Indian cricket and has been a major figure for Mumbai over the years.
However, his recent first-class inactivity has left him short of red-ball match practice. Mumbai’s selectors appear keen to ensure that players returning to the longer format are adequately prepared before being brought into the squad.
His omission should therefore not necessarily be viewed as a permanent end to his Mumbai career. Reports indicate that the selectors have left the door open for him to return after getting some red-ball cricket under his belt.
The timing is particularly interesting because Suryakumar had been looking to use the domestic season as an opportunity to return to competitive red-ball cricket.
Mumbai begins Ranji campaign against Chandigarh
Mumbai’s first Ranji Trophy fixture of the 2026-27 season will be against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium from October 11.
The 42-time Ranji Trophy champions will be aiming to begin the campaign strongly, with Siddhesh Lad taking charge and Mhatre operating as his deputy.
The presence of Jaiswal and Sarfaraz gives Mumbai considerable batting experience, while the promotion of Mhatre signals the selectors’ desire to develop a younger leadership core.
The opening fixture will also provide an early indication of how Mumbai’s new-look leadership structure performs in competitive red-ball cricket.
A new chapter for Mumbai cricket
Mumbai’s decision to leave out Suryakumar while elevating Mhatre represents a clear shift in priorities.
While Suryakumar remains an experienced and accomplished player, the selectors have chosen to focus on match fitness, red-ball preparation and the development of younger players.
For Mhatre, the vice-captaincy provides an important opportunity to learn leadership alongside an experienced campaigner like Siddhesh Lad.
For Suryakumar, meanwhile, the immediate task appears to be returning to red-ball cricket and demonstrating his readiness for another opportunity.
As Mumbai begin their Ranji Trophy campaign, the combination of experienced international players and emerging youngsters will be closely watched. The elevation of Mhatre could prove particularly important as the 19-year-old continues his transition from India’s Under-19 setup to senior domestic cricket.