Mumbai batter to rejoin squad for crucial clash against Vidarbha
Mumbai, February 14: Indian batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who missed out on the final squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is set to return to domestic cricket and play for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha in Nagpur from February 17.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Jaiswal, who had earlier played a group-stage match against Jammu and Kashmir, will rejoin a star-studded Mumbai lineup featuring Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur.
Jaiswal’s Champions Trophy Omission
Jaiswal was originally named in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy but was dropped in favor of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the final squad announced on February 11. He made his ODI debut against England in Nagpur, scoring 15 off 22 balls, but could not cement his spot.
Back to Ranji Trophy Duty
The 22-year-old opener had a lackluster performance in Mumbai’s group-stage match against Jammu and Kashmir, scoring 4 and 26 runs in a game that Mumbai lost. That match also saw the return of Indian captain Rohit Sharma to domestic cricket after a decade.
Shivam Dube, who is also among the non-traveling reserves for the Champions Trophy, will be on standby to fly to Dubai if required.
Mumbai vs Vidarbha: A High-Stakes Rematch
Defending champions Mumbai will face a stiff challenge against Vidarbha, in what will be a rematch of last season’s Ranji Trophy final.
- Vidarbha’s Dominance: They topped their group with six wins in seven games, their only draw coming against Gujarat. In the quarterfinals, they crushed Tamil Nadu by 198 runs.
- Mumbai’s Path to Semifinals: Mumbai had a mixed group stage, securing four wins but suffering two defeats (against Baroda and J&K) along with a draw. They reached the semifinals after a 152-run win over Haryana in the quarterfinals.
Mumbai Squad for Ranji Trophy Semifinal
- Ajinkya Rahane (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Shivam Dube
- Siddhesh Lad
- Shardul Thakur
- Shams Mulani
- Tanush Kotian
- Amogh Bhatkal
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Ayush Mhatre
- Akash Anand (WK)
- Hardik Tamore (WK)
- Suryansh Shedge
- Mohit Avasthi
- Sylvester D’Souza
- Royston Dias
- Atharva Ankolekar
- Harsh Tanna
With Jaiswal and Dube returning to strengthen Mumbai’s squad, the semifinal clash against Vidarbha promises to be an intense battle as both teams fight for a spot in the Ranji Trophy final.