The mandate requiring international cricketers to participate in domestic tournaments has significantly boosted viewership for competitions like the Ranji Trophy. As the quarter-finals approach, set to begin on February 8, several big names are expected to feature, adding further excitement to the tournament.
Defending champions Mumbai are set to welcome key players for their quarter-final clash against Haryana in Rohtak. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, currently engaged in the India-England T20I series, will rejoin the Mumbai squad after the conclusion of the fifth and final T20I.
A well-placed source within the Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed their availability, stating that the selection committee will finalize the squad soon.
“Yadav and Dube have informed us that they are available for the quarter-finals. The selection committee will meet soon and pick a squad for the same,” the source revealed.
While Shivam Dube impressed with a Player of the Match performance in the fourth T20I against England, Suryakumar Yadav, the current T20I captain, has endured a disappointing run. The 34-year-old managed just 28 runs across five matches, averaging a mere 5.60.
This series marked one of Yadav’s worst T20I performances, as he failed to score even 30+ runs in a single innings and recorded two ducks in the first and fourth T20I. Notably, it was also the lowest tally by an Indian captain in a T20I series.
With the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals providing an opportunity for redemption, Yadav will be keen to regain his form and confidence before the upcoming IPL 2025 and international assignments. Meanwhile, Mumbai will be hoping their star-studded lineup helps them defend their Ranji Trophy title.