Mumbai will take on Himachal Pradesh in an Elite Group C match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday, January 6. The start of the game has been delayed due to dense fog, a common weather challenge in the region during early January mornings. This List A domestic tournament, conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, includes 38 teams split into elite and plate groups, with elite sides like Mumbai aiming to secure strong points for progression to the quarterfinals. The fixture carries extra significance as it marks the return of key players to competitive action.

All attention is focused on Shreyas Iyer, who has been named Mumbai's captain for the remaining league matches of the tournament. The 31-year-old batsman has not played any competitive cricket since October 2025, when he suffered a serious spleen laceration while fielding in the third ODI against Australia. The injury caused internal bleeding, requiring hospitalization and a prolonged recovery period that ruled him out of the subsequent ODI series against South Africa in December. Iyer has made a strong recovery through rehabilitation and is now fit to return, with his participation also serving as preparation ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand beginning on January 11.

The Mumbai squad has undergone changes for this phase of the competition, with all-rounder Shardul Thakur sidelined due to an injury. Iyer's leadership and batting prowess are expected to bolster a strong Mumbai lineup that includes several domestic and international talents. Himachal Pradesh, meanwhile, will look to challenge the favorites with their own competitive setup in a group that features other notable teams. The Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to provide valuable match practice for centrally contracted players, as mandated by the BCCI, and often showcases emerging form ahead of national selections.

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The toss and match start remain pending due to the prevailing fog conditions, which have affected visibility on the ground. Once the weather clears, play is anticipated to proceed, with live scorecards and ball-by-ball updates available on platforms such as ESPNcricinfo and NDTV Sports. The outcome of this encounter could influence standings in Elite Group C, where consistent performances are crucial for knockout qualification later in the month.

Fans are keenly awaiting Iyer's comeback, which could provide insights into his current form and readiness for international duties. With the tournament highlighting the depth of Indian domestic cricket, this Mumbai-Himachal Pradesh clash promises competitive action once the fog lifts. Viewers are advised to monitor official updates for the revised start time and any further delays caused by weather.

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