Shreyas Iyer Returns to Lead Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Shreyas Iyer named Mumbai captain for rest of Vijay Hazare Trophy after Shardul Thakur's injury.
India batter Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain of Mumbai for the remainder of the Vijay Hazare Trophy after regular skipper Shardul Thakur was ruled out due to an injury. The announcement was made on Monday by Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil, who confirmed that Thakur has been advised to rest while other key players like Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav remain available.
Iyer’s return to domestic cricket comes after a long injury layoff caused by a spleen laceration with internal bleeding sustained during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney last October. Despite the recent recovery, the 28-year-old has been entrusted with leading the team in Group C matches.
Mumbai will face Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, followed by a match against Punjab on January 8. The knockout rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy are scheduled from January 12-18 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and Iyer will lead the team through these critical stages.
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In addition to his domestic leadership role, Iyer is also India’s designated vice-captain for ODIs. His selection in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot on January 14 and Indore on January 18, depends on his fitness clearance.
MCA secretary Dr Unmesh Khanvilkar expressed confidence in Iyer’s ability to guide the side during Thakur’s absence, highlighting his experience and prior leadership credentials. The move is expected to bolster Mumbai’s campaign while giving Iyer valuable match practice ahead of international assignments.
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