The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) yesterday released the 15-member squad set to face Andhra in a crucial Ranji Trophy 2024 encounter, beginning January 12. Notably, Shreyas Iyer has been included to bolster the team’s middle-order, a tactical move following his omission from the India T20 squad for the series against Afghanistan.
Iyer’s absence from the national T20 lineup comes amid the return of cricket heavyweights Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The decision highlights the stiff competition and depth within Indian cricket, as selectors balance match-winning experience with fostering new talent. Shreyas Iyer’s recent Test outing yielded less-than-stellar results, with lackluster scores against South Africa. His performances of 31, 6, 0, and 4* have cast a shadow on his role in the squad, especially on pitches with considerable movement. But with the forthcoming matches set in familiar subcontinental conditions and the England series on the horizon, Iyer will be keen to return to form as a reliable middle-order enforcer.
The Mumbai team, which started its Ranji campaign with a resounding victory, beating Bihar by an innings, seeks to extend their dominant performance. The upcoming face-off with Andhra promises to unleash the prowess of Mumbai’s refreshed squad, capitalizing on home conditions that are expected to favor spinners significantly, in the absence of Rishabh Pant.
Experienced campaigner Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as captain for the match, taking over from all-rounder Shams Mulani. Despite the change at the helm, Mulani remains an integral part of the revamped squad. Rahane’s leadership acumen will undoubtedly be instrumental as Mumbai continues to pursue cricketing excellence in India’s premier domestic competition.
Mumbai’s bowling attack is poised to be spearheaded once again by Mohit Avasthi, who claimed a six-wicket haul in his last outing against Bihar. Nonetheless, the spotlight also remains fixed on Shivam Dube, whose place Iyer is shadowing. Dube’s departure to play for India in the T20 series reflects his promising form, having bagged six wickets in Mumbai’s last match and presenting a strong case as an alternative pace option for the national side.
As India continues to scout for a reliable counterpart to Hardik Pandya, Dube’s bowling prowess couldn’t have been showcased at a better moment. His ability to swing the game with both bat and ball positions him as a contender for the all-rounder’s spot, contributing valuable depth to India’s star-studded lineup.
The Mumbai squad’s outlook appears robust, an ensemble brimming with talent and the potential to dominate the Ranji Trophy’s 2024 edition. Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, Shreyas Iyer’s middle-order mastery, and the team’s cohesive strength form an intimidating combination against any opposition.
With the next chapter of the Ranji Trophy about to unfold, Mumbai’s cricket aficionados and Indian cricket fans at large fasten their gaze on the iconic domestic championship, anticipating yet another enthralling display of sensational cricket.
Mumbai’s selected warriors are as follows: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Shreyas Iyer, Jay Bista, Bhupen Lalwani, Amogh Bhatkal, Suved Parkar, Prasad Pawar (wicketkeeper), Hardik Tamore (wicketkeeper), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Mohit Awasthi, Dhaval Kulkarni, Roystan Dias, and Sylvester Dsouza. Each name a testament to Mumbai’s cricketing might, each match a stage for legends to be born.
