India's Asia Cup winner breaks down, Australia tour dusted

Mumbai will be without star all-rounder Shivam Dube for their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season opener against Jammu & Kashmir, set to be played in Srinagar. The 31-year-old was forced to withdraw from the squad after experiencing back stiffness and returned to Mumbai on Tuesday evening for treatment.

Shardul Thakur has been appointed as Mumbai’s captain for the Ranji Trophy season, succeeding Ajinkya Rahane, who stepped down from the leadership role.

Sarfaraz Khan, who missed the recent home Test series against the West Indies due to a quadriceps injury, has returned to strengthen the batting order.

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Shivam Dube Ruled Out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Opener

Shivam Dube was ruled out of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar due to back stiffness.

According to The Indian Express, Dube initially travelled with the team but was advised by the medical staff to return to Mumbai as a precautionary measure.

The all-rounder, who remains a key member of India’s T20I squad, is expected to regain full fitness ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series in Australia, following the ODI leg that concludes on October 23.

“He flew with the team, but due to cold weather, he suffered back stiffness. The medical team advised him to rest, so he flew back to Mumbai on Tuesday,” a Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) source told the publication.

Mumbai Placed in Elite Group D Alongside Delhi, Rajasthan, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir

Mumbai are optimistic that Shivam Dube will recover in time to join the Indian squad for the Australia tour on October 23. The all-rounder, who played a crucial role in India’s recent Asia Cup triumph, is an integral part of the national T20 setup while also featuring regularly in domestic red-ball cricket.

Mumbai narrowly missed the knockout stage last season and will be seeking redemption after their shock defeat to Jammu & Kashmir at home last year.

The team is placed in Elite Group D alongside Delhi, Rajasthan, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, the 91st edition of the Ranji Trophy begins on Wednesday, October 15.

Will Shivam Dube Be Ready For India's Tour of Australia?

Shivam Dube played a decisive role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 triumph. He opened the bowling and delivered a disciplined three-over spell, conceding just 23 runs during the summit clash. Dube also played a quickfire 22-ball 33, crucial in guiding India to a successful chase of 147.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav trusted Dube as a regular bowling option throughout the tournament, and the all-rounder repaid that faith by taking five wickets. His all-round performances were instrumental in the title-winning campaign.

The report added that there is no major concern regarding his fitness. Dube is expected to recover fully and join the squad for the upcoming T20I series in Australia, scheduled to begin on October 29.

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