Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Mumbai Captain Backs Selectors’ Decision to Exclude Suryakumar
Mumbai is getting ready to begin its Ranji Trophy season against Chandigarh.
The selectors did not choose Suryakumar Yadav for the first match because they felt he had not practiced enough with the red ball.
Captain Siddhesh Lad said he respects that choice and will focus on the players who were picked.
He also said players who prepare well can remain part of future discussions.
Ayush Mhatre is the team’s vice-captain and says advice from MS Dhoni helps him stay calm during games.
Mumbai will also be without Shardul Thakur for the opener because he hurt his hand.
The team has worked on fitness and fielding.
Lad said Mumbai will try to handle the pressure that comes with its history of winning the Ranji Trophy 42 times.
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said he respected selectors’ decision not to pick Suryakumar Yadav for the Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh.
Selectors reportedly left Suryakumar out because he lacked red-ball practice after missing team training and not responding to an earlier call.
Lad said players who prepare well remain under consideration, but his focus is working with the selected 15-member squad.
Ayush Mhatre, named vice-captain, said advice from MS Dhoni to stay calm has helped him make decisions on the field.
Mumbai will miss injured all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the first game and have worked on fitness, fielding and communication.
- Who
- Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad, vice-captain Ayush Mhatre, and the Mumbai squad; Suryakumar Yadav was not selected for the opener.
- What
- Lad discussed Suryakumar’s exclusion, the squad’s preparation, and Mumbai’s prospects ahead of its Ranji Trophy season opener.
- When
- At Mumbai’s pre-season press conference on Thursday, ahead of the season opener.
- Where
- Mumbai; the opener is against Chandigarh.
- Why
- Selectors cited Suryakumar’s lack of red-ball practice as the reason for leaving him out.
- Competition
- Ranji Trophy
- Mumbai captain
- Siddhesh Lad
- Mumbai vice-captain
- Ayush Mhatre
- Opening opponent
- Chandigarh
- Suryakumar selection reason
- Selectors cited a lack of red-ball practice.
- Mumbai Ranji Trophy titles
- 42, according to Lad
- Shardul Thakur
- Expected to miss the first game after a hand injury; Lad said he was sidelined for about a month.