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Suryakumar Yadav could make a return to red-ball cricket with Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The Mumbai selectors are ready to give the experienced batter Suryakumar Yadav an opportunity if he decides to make himself available for the domestic tournament.
The 35-year-old has not played a first-class match since February 2025. His last appearance came in the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Mumbai and Vidarbha in Nagpur during the 2024-25 season. Amid this, Suryakumar Yadav’s Mumbai Indians future was sealed for IPL 2027.
Suryakumar Yadav could return to Ranji Trophy
Last season, Suryakumar Yadav’s attention was mainly on T20 cricket. He was leading the Indian T20I team and was focused on the preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup. He guided India to the historic title but was later removed as T20I captain, with Shreyas Iyer taking over the leadership role.
With Suryakumar now free from India’s T20I captaincy duties, the stylish batter could have more time to play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. However, it remains to be seen whether he will actually choose to return to first-class cricket.
As reported by Revsportz, the Mumbai selectors are expected to speak with Suryakumar in the coming days. If he confirms his availability, the selectors are likely to include him in the Ranji Trophy squad. His experience and batting ability could provide a major boost to the Mumbai cricket team.
Suryakumar Yadav’s shocking red-ball story
Suryakumar has got only a couple of chances in Test cricket despite his excellent first-class record. He has played only one Test for India, against Australia in Nagpur in 2023. He scored just eight runs in the only innings he played in that match.
However, his overall first-class numbers tell a completely different story. Before making his international debut, Suryakumar had built a strong red-ball career. He has scored 5,758 runs in 86 first-class matches with the help of 14 centuries.
The former Indian captain has also regularly made himself available for Mumbai whenever he was not required for India duty. Now, with Test cricket seemingly no longer a major part of his international plans, his possible Ranji return could be an interesting development. Amid this, Suryakumar Yadav opens up on losing India captaincy as he questions the decision.
Siddhesh Lad replaces Shardul Thakur as Mumbai captain
Mumbai has also made a major leadership change ahead of the new domestic season. Siddhesh Lad has been appointed the new Ranji Trophy captain, replacing Shardul Thakur. The decision has been taken mainly to reduce Thakur’s workload.
The all-rounder has already been handling a big responsibility for Mumbai, and the selectors want him to focus completely on his game rather than carrying the additional pressure of captaincy.
Thakur had done well as Mumbai captain, but the selectors believe removing the leadership responsibility will allow him to concentrate more on his performances.
Meanwhile, Lad is coming off an excellent season. The 34-year-old was Mumbai’s highest run-scorer last season as he amassed 774 runs from 11 innings. He also smashed five centuries and finished with an impressive batting average of 77.40.
Yet, Mumbai were eliminated in the quarter-finals after suffering a crushing defeat against Karnataka at home. Mumbai will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh on October 11.
