Shardul Thakur Takes Mumbai Ranji Helm as Rahane Steps Down, Squad Unveiled

Shardul Thakur Takes Mumbai Ranji Helm as Rahane Steps Down, Squad Unveiled

When Shardul Thakur, the 33‑year‑old India all‑rounder, was named captain of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on August 15, 2025, the cricketing world took a collective breath.

The decision comes right after veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane handed in his resignation, ending a short but glittering captaincy that delivered Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023‑24 season. The new campaign kicks off on October 15 at the Sher‑i‑Kashmir International Cricket Stadium in Srinagar, with a 16‑man squad that blends fresh faces and seasoned campaigners.

Ranji Trophy 2025‑26: A Tournament at a Glance

The Ranji Trophy 2025‑26India marks the 91st edition of India’s premier first‑class competition. With 38 sides battling across 138 fixtures, the tournament runs until February 24, 2026. Defending champions Vidarbha will look to retain the crown after a 65‑run win over Kerala in the 2024‑25 final at Mumbai’s own Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai finds itself in Group B alongside Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and Baroda. The opening clash against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar is a nostalgic reminder of last season’s upset, when the visitors chased down 205 to win by five wickets at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy.

New Captaincy and Squad Reveal

The announcement was delivered by the MCA selection committee, chaired by former India cricketer Vinayak Samant. In his opening briefing, Samant praised Thakur’s “ability to lead by example on and off the field”, noting his 42 first‑class appearances for Mumbai since debuting in November 2012.

Alongside Thakur, the squad features:

  • Ayush Mhatre – 21‑year‑old opening batsman and former India U‑19 captain.
  • Hardik Tamore and Akash Anand – dual wicket‑keeping options.
  • Siddhesh Lad and Ajinkya Rahane – experienced top‑order stability.
  • Sarfaraz Khan – a comeback story after a 11‑month Test hiatus.
  • Shivam Dube – an all‑rounder who will depart for the India T20I tour of Australia after the first match.
  • Spinners Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian and Irfan Umair to add variety.
  • Young talent Musheer Khan, back after a serious car accident earlier this year.

Key Players in Focus

Thakur’s recent form includes eight wickets at 28.50 in the two‑Test England series in September 2025. He missed the ongoing West Indies Test series, leaving him fully available for the domestic calendar.

Sarfaraz Khan returns after a grade‑1 quadriceps strain suffered during the Buchi Babu Tournament in August. His last Test outing was the Border‑Gavaskar Trophy in December 2024, and he’s eager to prove his fitness ahead of any national recall.

Shivam Dube will feature only in the Srinagar opener before heading to Australia for a five‑match T20I series starting October 29. His all‑round skills give Mumbai a short‑term boost, but the team must adjust quickly once he departs.

Notable Absences and What They Mean

Notable Absences and What They Mean

Star batsman Shreyas Iyer is sidelined after the National Cricket Academy diagnosed a chronic L4‑L5 disc bulge in July. His absence underscores Mumbai’s reliance on depth rather than marquee names.

Young prodigy Prithvi Shaw transferred to the Maharashtra Cricket Association on June 30, after being dropped for the 2024‑25 quarter‑finals. Meanwhile, explosive striker Suryakumar Yadav has shifted focus to white‑ball formats, leaving a gap in Mumbai’s middle order.

Strategic Outlook: Can Mumbai Reclaim Glory?

Analysts say Thakur’s appointment signals a shift toward “all‑round leadership”. By having a bowler‑batting hybrid at the helm, Mumbai hopes to balance its traditionally batting‑heavy line‑up with more aggressive field placements and bowling changes.

The group stage pits Mumbai against Jammu & Kashmir’s seam‑heavy attack, Punjab’s spin‑rich unit and Baroda’s deep batting order. If Thakur can harness his own experience—both as a bowler who can swing the new ball and a lower‑order hitter—Mumbai could navigate the varied conditions that define a Ranji campaign.

Defending champions Vidarbha, led by seasoned campaigner Naman Dhir (not a primary entity for markup), remain a benchmark. Their victory over Kerala highlighted disciplined fast‑bowling and sharp fielding, traits Mumbai will need to emulate.

Reactions from the Cricketing Community

Reactions from the Cricketing Community

Former India selector Kiran More praised the move, calling Thakur “the ideal blend of grit and game‑sense”. Meanwhile, veteran journalist Sunil Gavaskar warned that “the pressure of leading a historic side like Mumbai can be a double‑edged sword”.

Fans on social media expressed optimism, with many highlighting Thakur’s recent Test performances as a sign that he still has the fire to lead a side into a new era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ajinkya Rahane resign as captain?

Rahane stepped down after steering Mumbai to its 42nd Ranji title in 2023‑24. He wanted to focus on his batting and support the team as a senior player, while giving a younger leader a chance to shape the next phase.

What are Shardul Thakur’s strengths as a captain?

Thakur brings a bowler’s perspective to field placements, can swing the new ball, and adds handy lower‑order runs. His recent Test experience against England shows he can handle pressure and make tactical adjustments mid‑game.

How will Shivam Dube’s early departure affect Mumbai’s lineup?

Dube’s all‑round abilities give Mumbai a short‑term boost in both batting depth and medium‑pace options for the Srinagar opener. After he leaves for the Australia T20I series, the team will rely on emerging pacers like Tushar Deshpande to fill the void.

Which teams does Mumbai consider its biggest rivals this season?

In Group B, Jammu & Kashmir’s seam attack, Punjab’s spin‑rich side and Baroda’s deep batting order each pose distinct challenges. Beyond the group, Vidarbha remains the benchmark as the defending champions.

What does this captaincy change signal for Mumbai’s long‑term strategy?

MCA is looking to nurture all‑round leadership ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup cycle. By appointing a pace‑bowling all‑rounder, they aim to create a more balanced side that can adapt to varied pitches across India’s domestic circuit.

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