'Despite 6 India cricketers in lineup...' - Mumbai selector attacks Rohit Sharma after J&K loss

Mumbai selector Sanjay Patil has expressed frustration over the team's shocking defeat to Jammu and Kashmir, despite the presence of six Indian cricketers in the squad. Mumbai has named Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube in the squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 knockout clash in Lahli.

Mumbai resumed their Ranji Trophy campaign with a match against Jammu and Kashmir, with the defending champions fielding a star-studded squad that included Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The senior players were made available for the team after the BCCI's mandate on domestic appearances.

Mumbai Risked Knockout Qualification in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to the Mumbai squad forced the exclusion of in-form openers Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ayush Mhatre, who scored 413 runs in six matches. However, the Mumbai team struggled against the opposition's bowling attack despite the star names in the squad.

They were bowled out for low scores twice in the match. The team suffered a five-wicket defeat to Jammu and Kashmir, which risked their qualification for the knockouts. However, they bounced back with a win over Meghalaya in the final group stage match, securing a quarter-final clash against Haryana.

I'm Still Upset at the Jammu & Kashmir Defeat - Mumbai Selector Sanjay Patil

Sanjay Patil emphasized that Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube need to deliver strong performances to help Mumbai secure victory in the upcoming Ranji Trophy knockout match. Patil also revealed his disappointment with the defeat, calling it one of the worst.

“I'm very clear on this. Considering our defeat against J&K, which came despite the presence of six India cricketers in our lineup, which was very disappointing, I want both SKY and Dube not to just participate in this Ranji Trophy knockout match, but perform well, and contribute to Mumbai's victory," Patil told the Times of India (via Wisden).

"I'm still upset at the J&K defeat, which I feel was our worst ever. To accommodate the India players in that match, we had to deprive a few talented youngsters," he added.

Shivam Dube played in Mumbai's loss to Jammu and Kashmir, while Suryakumar Yadav is yet to feature in the second leg of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Mumbai will face a tough challenge against Haryana, who finished top of Group C with three wins and four draws, in the quarter-finals.

Mumbai's Ranji Trophy Quarter-Final Clash Against Haryana Set to Begin on February 8

Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, will face Haryana in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals, starting on Saturday, February 8. The Ajinkya Rahane-led team, which finished second in Group A, will play their next match away from home. This quarter-final is one of four knockout fixtures set to begin on the same day.

Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Haryana: Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Amogh Bhatkal, Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Akash Anand (WK), Hardik Tamore (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Mohit Avasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias, Atharva Ankolekar, and Harsh Tanna.

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