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Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to return to Ranji Trophy action for Mumbai, but this time, fans could see him doing something completely different. Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s regular Test opener, may also take up wicketkeeping duties when Mumbai begins their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh.
The Mumbai cricket team will kick off their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh in an Elite Group D match starting on Sunday, October 11, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav took the club cricket route after Ranji Trophy omission by MCA.
Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad reveals Yashasvi Jaiswal's surprise training
Ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season opener, Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal has been working seriously on his wicketkeeping during training. The young opener has been spending extra time behind the stumps with the Mumbai setup.
The Indian opener has already been seen wearing the gloves during Mumbai’s practice matches, and he is now having special training sessions behind the stumps. Lad said that Yashasvi has been seriously trying to develop this new skill and could get the role in this Ranji season with the gloves.
Siddhesh Lad said at the pre-season press conference at the Wankhede Stadium, as quoted by a Times of India journalist, "Yashasvi Jaiswal is keeping wickets in practice. He is developing his wicketkeeping skills...maybe in future you will see him keep wickets for Mumbai & also India.”
"Yashasvi Jaiswal is keeping wickets in practice. He is developing his wicketkeeping skills ..maybe in future you will see him keep wickets for Mumbai & also India": Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad at the pre-season presser at Wankhede 🏟 https://t.co/0W3DhJLtTL
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) October 8, 2026
Yashasvi Jaiswal could become India’s new wicketkeeping option
Jaiswal’s new wicketkeeping skill could make him even more valuable for India, as he also practices leg-spin at the nets. Amid this, Virat Kohli mourns Nana Patekar’s demise, calls him a ‘True Legend’ of Indian Cinema.
Along with his attacking batting at the top, keeping wickets would increase his chances in India’s white-ball teams, as the current think tank prioritizes multi-skilled players.
Lad said to a PTI query later, “He is someone who has started practicing keeping wickets because he feels he wants to add something more to his game. I am not very sure what his intentions are, but right now he is practicing keeping wickets, and if he keeps practicing, he will get used to it.”
Siddhesh Lad reveals why Yashasvi Jaiswal’s short Mumbai stint matters
The Mumbai captain feels Jaiswal’s presence will be a big boost for the team. Mumbai will miss former captain Shardul Thakur, while Ajinkya Rahane has also retired from the game. Jaiswal is expected to be available only for Mumbai’s first Ranji game because of India A duty, but Lad believes his experience at the highest level can still make a difference.
Lad added, “I think he is just available for the first game if I am not wrong. But someone like Yashasvi doesn't only add performances; he adds value to the team with his experience. He is someone who has done really well at the highest level. Sharing the dressing room with someone like Yashasvi helps us also with the youngsters, and we are looking forward to it.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive Test numbers
Yashasvi Jaiswal has already played 31 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 23 T20Is for India, but he has never kept wickets in an international match. However, the 24-year-old has bowled only occasionally, sending down 36 deliveries across formats whenever his captain asked him to roll his arm over.
Well, the left-handed batter’s test numbers are strong, as he has so far amassed 2,612 runs in 57 innings at an average of 47.49 with the help of seven centuries and 13 half-centuries.
