Rohit, Jaiswal, Shreyas absent from Mumbai’s squad for must-win Ranji Trophy match

Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer left out; Ajinkya Rahane to lead the team as Mumbai fights for qualification.

Mumbai, January 29: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced its 16-player squad for the crucial Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya, set to take place from January 30 to February 2 at the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy, BKC, Mumbai.

The squad will be led by Ajinkya Rahane, with several young and experienced players aiming to keep Mumbai’s qualification hopes alive.

Key Absences

Prominent names like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer have been left out following Mumbai’s disappointing five-wicket loss to Jammu and Kashmir in their previous encounter. The defeat has jeopardized Mumbai’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stage, with the team now sitting third in Group A. Even a victory against Meghalaya may not suffice if Jammu and Kashmir and Baroda maintain their lead.

In their match against J&K, the batting trio struggled to make an impact. Rohit Sharma managed scores of 3 and 28, displaying glimpses of form but falling short of expectations. Jaiswal contributed 4 and 26, while Iyer, known for his domestic prowess, had a modest outing with 11 and 17.

Focus Shifts to ODIs

Rohit, Jaiswal, and Iyer will now focus on India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which begins on February 6 in Nagpur, followed by matches in Cuttack (February 9) and Ahmedabad (February 12). This series serves as vital preparation for the Champions Trophy next month.

Mumbai Squad for Meghalaya Match

1. Ajinkya Rahane (Captain)
2. Ayush Mhatre
3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi
4. Amogh Bhatkal
5. Siddhesh Lad
6. Akash Anand (WK)
7. Hardik Tamore (WK)
8. Suryansh Shedge
9. Shardul Thakur
10. Shams Mulani
11. Tanush Kotian
12. Mohit Avasthi
13. Sylvester Dsouza
14. Royston Dias
15. Shreyas Gurav
16. Atharva Ankolekar

The squad comprises a mix of youth and experience, with Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shams Mulani providing leadership and stability. Mumbai will look to bounce back and deliver a strong performance in this must-win game.