Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is set to make his return to competitive cricket by representing Mumbai in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy. The 36-year-old right-handed batter has not featured in a competitive match since IPL 2026, but he could return to action in Mumbai’s opening Elite Group D fixture against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium from October 11.
According to a report in the Times of India, Suryakumar has confirmed his availability for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign. The batter last represented Mumbai in the premier domestic red-ball competition in February 2025, when he played against Vidarbha in Nagpur.
An MCA source confirmed that Suryakumar had informed Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik about his availability for the upcoming season.
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Suryakumar’s return will provide Mumbai with considerable experience in the middle order. The right-hander has played 86 first-class matches and accumulated 5,758 runs at an average of 42.33. His first-class record includes 14 centuries and 30 half-centuries from 144 innings.
However, Mumbai will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign without former captain Shardul Thakur. The experienced all-rounder has suffered a hand injury and is expected to miss the opening matches of the season.
Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has made himself available for the Ranji Trophy 2026-27.
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— Crictoday (@crictoday) October 5, 2026
Thakur reportedly sustained the injury after being struck on the hand by a ball driven by Ayush Mhatre during a recent training session. His absence leaves Mumbai without one of their key all-rounders at the start of the campaign.
The 34-year-old played six matches for Mumbai during the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, taking 13 wickets and contributing 130 runs in eight innings. In his absence, Tushar Deshpande is expected to shoulder greater responsibility in Mumbai’s pace attack.
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Thakur’s most recent competitive appearance came for West Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final against North Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. He managed just one wicket across the two innings. While Suryakumar’s return is a major boost for Mumbai, Thakur’s injury presents an early challenge as the team begins its Ranji Trophy campaign.
