When Shardul Thakur, the 33‑year‑old Indian all‑rounder, was handed the captaincy of the Mumbai cricket team for the 2025‑26 Ranji Trophy, the news sent ripples through a city that lives and breathes cricket. The appointment, announced by the Mumbai Cricket Association on Tuesday, comes after Ajinkya Rahane stepped down in August. Mumbai will open the 91st edition of the tournament on October 15, 2025, against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Srinagar, a venue that hosted a stunning upset last season. The decision arrives as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rolls out a tweaked domestic calendar, while fellow India keeper Rishabh Pant eyes a comeback later in the tournament.
Why Thakur's Captaincy Matters
Thakur isn’t just a new name on the leadership chart; he’s a seasoned campaigner who has already tasted the pressure of Test cricket in England and the intensity of a Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru. His experience abroad gives him a different perspective compared to Rahane, whose calm, textbook style helped Mumbai lift their 42nd Ranji title in 2023‑24 after a nine‑year drought. "The team needed a fresh voice, someone who can rally the younger guns while still commanding respect in the dressing room," said Abhay Hadap, secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Thakur’s bowling arsenal – a quick seam and a deceptive slower ball – adds tactical depth, but it’s his all‑rounder ability that could tilt tight matches. In a tournament where a single wicket can shift momentum, having a captain who can swing the bat and the ball is a subtle yet powerful advantage.
Squad Breakdown and Notable Absences
The MCA released a 16‑member squad for the opening fixture. Besides Thakur, the list includes:
- Ayush Mhatre – top‑order batsman eager to cement his place.
- Aakash Anand – wicket‑keeper bat.
- Ajinkya Rahane – senior statesman and former captain.
- Siddhesh Lad – solid middle‑order option.
- Sarfaraz Khan – returning from a quadriceps injury sustained at the Buchi Babu tournament.
- Shivam Dube – all‑rounder who will depart for India’s T20I series in Australia on October 29.
- Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Sylvester D'Souza, Hardik Tamore (keeper), Irfan Umair, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Royston Dias.
What raised eyebrows was the omission of star batter Suryakumar Yadav. MCA secretary Abhay Hadap told The Sports Tak, "We tried to contact him but he didn’t respond," leaving fans to speculate whether the omission is form‑related or a deeper disagreement with the board.
The New Ranji Format and Calendar
The BCCI announced a modified schedule to ease congestion. Phase 1 runs from October 15‑18 and November 16‑19, 2025. After that, teams switch to the Vijay Hazare Trophy (one‑day) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) before reconvening for Phase 2 on January 22, 2026. The final is slated for February 24, 2026.
Why the shuffle? India is entering a prolonged Test hiatus after the home series against South Africa in November 2025, and the board wants to give fringe players more exposure in limited‑overs formats. For Mumbai, the break could be a double‑edged sword – a chance for injured players to recover, but also a risk of losing momentum built under Rahane’s leadership.
Expert and Player Reactions
Cricket analyst Madhav Sinha told Sports Broadcast that "Thakur’s appointment is a bold move. He brings aggression and a modern mindset, which could suit the revamped schedule where games are bunched tightly."
Rahane, ever the gentleman, released a brief statement: "I’m proud of what we achieved in 2023‑24. The team is in good hands, and I’ll support Shardul in any way I can." Meanwhile, Dube, who will juggle Ranji duties and the upcoming T20I tour, said, "Playing at home before heading abroad will help me fine‑tune my game. I’m excited to represent Mumbai again."
On the Pant front, the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru reported his toe fracture is healing well. If cleared, Pant could re‑enter the fray in the second Ranji round against Himachal Pradesh (Oct 25) or Puducherry (Nov 1).
Looking Ahead: Mumbai's Title Hopes
Historically, Mumbai has dominated the Ranji Trophy with 42 titles, but recent seasons have shown cracks. A loss to Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024‑25 group stage, where the visitors chased 205, reminded everyone that glory isn’t guaranteed.
Thakur’s first challenge will be to steady the bowlers after a mixed start and to navigate the schedule’s tight windows. If he can blend Rahane’s composure with his own attacking flair, Mumbai could very well add a 43rd crown.
Fans will be watching the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy match with bated breath – not just for the result, but to gauge how the new captain handles pressure, media scrutiny, and the ever‑present expectations of a city that worships cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Shardul Thakur’s leadership affect Mumbai’s chances of winning the Ranji Trophy?
Thakur brings a blend of international experience and all‑round skill that could tighten both batting and bowling departments. His aggressive style may energise younger players, while his familiarity with Test cricket adds strategic nuance. If he can manage the squad’s rotation during the split calendar, Mumbai’s historic edge should remain intact.
Why did Ajinkya Rahane step down as captain after the 2023‑24 title?
Rahane cited a desire to focus on his batting and to give the team a fresh perspective. After leading Mumbai to their 42nd title, he felt a new voice could sustain the momentum, especially with the upcoming format changes that demand different tactical approaches.
What impact does the BCCI’s revised Ranji schedule have on team preparations?
The split‑phase schedule forces teams to balance long‑form focus with limited‑overs commitments. Players may face fatigue from quick turn‑arounds, but it also offers injured athletes a window for recovery. Squad depth becomes crucial, as coaches must rotate talents while maintaining consistency across formats.
When could Rishabh Pant realistically return to the Ranji lineup?
Pant’s rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence is progressing, and medical staff are optimistic. If all goes well, he could be back for Mumbai’s second‑round match against Himachal Pradesh on October 25, or at the latest for the third round versus Puducherry on November 1.
How will Shivam Dube balance Ranji duties with the upcoming T20I series in Australia?
Dube will feature in Mumbai’s opening Ranji match before departing for the Australian tour on October 29. The brief window allows him to gain match practice in home conditions, but he’ll need careful workload management to avoid fatigue ahead of the high‑intensity T20 series.
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