Suryakumar Yadav has made himself available for Mumbai’s 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign, giving himself an opportunity to return to red-ball cricket. According to the Times of India, the batter has informed Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik that he is available for the upcoming season.
The 36-year-old has not played competitive cricket since the end of IPL 2026. He is expected to return for Mumbai’s opening Elite Group D match against Chandigarh at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on October 11, giving him an opportunity to work his way back into India’s plans.
Suryakumar Yadav Targets Comeback Ahead of Ranji Trophy 2026-27
Suryakumar Yadav has played only one Test for India. He made his debut against Australia in Nagpur in February 2023 but scored only eight runs in his lone innings. A return to first-class cricket now gives him a chance to rebuild his red-ball credentials.
Despite his limited Test experience, the middle-order batter has a strong first-class record. He has scored 5,758 runs in 86 matches at an average of 42.34, with the help of 14 centuries and 30 half-centuries, while his highest score is 200.
His last first-class appearance came for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Vidarbha in Nagpur in February 2025. Returning to the format after that lengthy gap will test his technique and fitness over multiple days.
Suryakumar Yadav Moves On From T20I Setback
The selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir removed him as India’s T20I captain and dropped him from the squad in June 2026, only three months after he had led India to the T20 World Cup title.
His individual batting numbers played a role in that decision. After becoming India’s full-time T20I captain in July 2024, his batting average fell to 25.88, compared to 43.33 before he took over the leadership role. He also failed to score a T20I half-century during the entire 2025 calendar year.
He scored 242 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 136.72 during the 2026 T20 World Cup. His most significant contribution came against the USA, when he remained unbeaten on 84. However, his overall returns were not enough to prevent the selectors from making a change.
Poor IPL Campaign Adds To Suryakumar Yadav's Challenge
Suryakumar Yadav's struggles continued in IPL 2026 with Mumbai Indians, where he scored 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76. Mumbai failed to advance to qualify for playoffs in the recent season.
The BCCI is also looking towards a younger core as part of its long-term planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the next T20 World Cup cycle. That transition has increased the importance of his performances in domestic cricket.
A strong Ranji Trophy campaign would allow him to regain competitive rhythm while also giving him a chance to demonstrate that he can still contribute in the longer format. Whether he can revive India's hopes will depend on his performances during the domestic season.
Also read: Ayush Mhatre injures Shardul Thakur, rules him out of Ranji Trophy matches
