Mumbai selectors appointed Shreyas Iyer as captain for the remaining group league fixtures of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Shardul Thakur sidelined due to a calf injury.
Chief selector Sanjay Patil confirmed the decision, stating that Shreyas will lead the team in the last two matches. Shreyas joined the squad on Monday and trained extensively at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground under coaches Omkar Salvi and Atul Ranade. He looked comfortable against fast bowlers and also participated in catching drills.
Although India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav is expected to feature in the upcoming games against Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, selectors handed the captaincy to Shreyas, who currently serves as India’s ODI vice-captain. This marks his return to competitive cricket after recovering from a spleen injury sustained during India’s tour of Australia last October. He completed rehabilitation at the CoE and played a practice match last week without discomfort.
Shreyas has also been named in India’s ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, subject to fitness clearance. During training with Mumbai, he appeared sharp in sprints and fielding drills.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan will rejoin the team against Himachal after missing the Maharashtra clash due to quadriceps pain. His scans returned normal, and he trained alongside his younger brother Musheer Khan. Mumbai also strengthened its squad by adding off-spinner Shashank Attarde.
Currently placed second in Elite Group C with 16 points from five matches, Mumbai must win at least one of its two remaining games and improve its Net Run Rate (1.293) to secure a knockout berth.
