Jaiswal Back in Action, Shardul Named Captain For Mumbai's Ranji QF Clash

Mumbai’s cricketing powerhouse has announced its squad for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal clash against Karnataka, set to begin on February 6. The team, aiming to secure a record-extending 43rd Ranji Trophy title, will be led by returning all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who takes over the captaincy after recovering from an injury. Thakur last represented Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on January 3 against Maharashtra.

The squad sees the inclusion of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in exceptional form in domestic and international cricket. Jaiswal recently scored his maiden ODI century against South Africa in December and has actively participated in Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) campaigns this season. His performances include notable scores of 101 against Rajasthan in the SMAT and 46 against Goa in the VHT, reflecting his consistency across formats.

In first-class cricket, Jaiswal has accumulated 1,086 runs in 11 matches for Mumbai, averaging 60.33 with a strike rate of 62.59. He has recorded five centuries and three fifties, with a highest score of 181, highlighting his ability to anchor innings and deliver match-winning performances. His inclusion strengthens Mumbai’s top order as they look to advance through the knockout stages.

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Mumbai’s squad also features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. Key players include Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, wicketkeeper-batsmen Aakash Anand and Hardik Tamore, as well as pace and spin options like Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasth, Omkar Tarmale, and Divyesh Saxena. Suryansh Shedge completes the 16-member squad, offering depth across all departments.

Mumbai enters the quarterfinals with strong momentum, hoping to leverage their squad’s experience and form against a competitive Karnataka side. The team’s management will look to blend Thakur’s leadership with Jaiswal’s batting firepower to navigate the high-pressure knockout stage. With Mumbai’s historical dominance in the Ranji Trophy, expectations are high for a disciplined and strategic performance.

The quarterfinal clash promises a high-stakes contest as both teams battle for a place in the semifinals. Mumbai’s approach will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with a focus on top-order stability, middle-order contributions, and bowling efficiency under Thakur’s captaincy. The match also provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a prestigious domestic stage.

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