Rohit Sharma is back in Mumbai colours, named for the first two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, while Shardul Thakur takes charge of a squad that mixes old heads with a few fresh bets. The opener, who looked in good touch during the recent ODIs in South Africa, is expected to walk straight into the XI when Group C action begins in Jaipur on 24 December.
“The plan is simple: give Rohit two games to find rhythm and give the younger boys a chance to bat around him,” selector Jitendra Thakker told reporters after the announcement. There is, however, no place for Ajinkya Rahane, Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ayush Mhatre this time.
Several uncapped or little-seen names catch the eye. Chinmay Sutar, last seen in India Emerging colours back in 2019, earns a recall. Ishan Mulchandani, another clean striker from the club circuit, steps up, while quick bowler Onkar Tarmale arrives with the confidence of a recent IPL deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The backbone remains familiar: Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan and teenager Angkrish Raghuvanshi offer middle-order heft, Siddhesh Lad brings experience, and the dependable spin duo of Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian continue their left-arm-off-spin double act. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Hardik Tamore and youngster Akash Anand.
Mumbai start against Sikkim on Christmas Eve, followed by Uttarakhand on Boxing Day, both fixtures in Jaipur. Early victories would steady nerves in a short group phase where slip-ups are rarely forgiven.
Mumbai squad: Shardul Thakur (capt), Rohit Sharma (first two games), Ishan Mulchandani, Musheer Khan, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Chinmay Sutar, Akash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Onkar Tarmale, Sylvester D’Souza, Sairaj Patil, Suryansh Shedge.
