The 2025-26 season of the Ranji Trophy has begun all around the world as Mumbai, the most title-winning state team, faced Jammu and Kashmir in their opening encounter of the event at the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. The visitors were under the new leadership of Shardul Thakur after their last year’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, decided to step down from his place.

However, a video has gone viral where a renowned journalist, Mohsin Kamal, who is the editor of Kashmir Sports Watch, has again been denied entry to the stadium despite being accredited by the BCCI. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), even in the past, didn’t let him come through to the stadium.

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Kamal has been barred from entering the stadium, even as a spectator, while the general fans are allowed inside the stadium. The stated reason, according to the journalist, is to work for different outlets where he has consistently highlighted the systematic issues within the JSCA, including mismanagement and favoritism toward selective players.

Watch: Renowned journalist denied to cover Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash between Jammu and Kashmir and Mumbai in viral video

These exposés have positioned him as a critical voice for transparency in J&K cricket. But they appear to have led to retaliation from the officials of the ground, such as the head of Srinagar, Majid Dar. The BCCI, despite the rising concerns of Kamal’s appeals, has not taken any step as he keeps missing the chance to cover these games.

Yet again JKCA isn’t allowing me to cover the J&K and Mumbai #RanjiTrophy match in Srinagar despite the BCCI accreditation. Same happened last year. My only crime: reporting the truth. It’s more disappointing that this is happening in presence of BCCI president @MithunManhas pic.twitter.com/mPaEQJ8xVv

— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) October 15, 2025

In the encounter, Mumbai didn’t make a great start with the bat as they found themselves three down for 74 runs in 22.4 overs. Musheer Khan went back to the dressing room for a three-ball duck while Ayush Mhatre and Ajinkya Rahane got dismissed in their 20s.

At number four, Siddesh Lad bashed 116 runs with the help of 17 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 74.36, while Shams Mulani remained unbeaten by 79 runs by the end of the day as Mumbai finished the opening day with 336/5 in 83 overs. Yudhvir Singh Charak picked up two wickets in 16 overs.

Ahead of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) released a talented 16-member team for their opening match against Jammu and Kashmir, which begins on October 15 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. The team will be captained by all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who takes over from Ajinkya Rahane after the senior batter opted to relinquish the leadership role this season. Mumbai will hope to start the new campaign on a high as they pursue their 42nd Ranji Trophy championship.

However, two of Mumbai’s biggest names, Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, are not part of the squad, which has left many fans surprised. The MCA has now explained the reasons behind their absence. According to MCA secretary Abhay Hadap, Suryakumar Yadav was not dropped by the selectors. Instead, his availability for the first match was not confirmed. “No, SKY hasn’t been dropped. It’s just that his availability wasn’t confirmed for this match. The Mumbai Cricket Association’s staff tried to contact him, but he didn’t give his availability for this match to us,” Hadap told TOI.

As for Shreyas Iyer, the middle-order batter has officially requested a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back problems. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sanctioned his plea, enabling him to get back to work on his recovery before turning out for longer-form cricket again. He will be missed, but the administration is confident this respite will see him gain full fitness for future international commitments.

Mumbai Begin a New Chapter Under Shardul Thakur

Despite missing two senior stars, Mumbai still look strong on paper. Ajinkya Rahane will play a key role in the middle order, while Shardul Thakur’s all-round skills will bring balance and leadership to the side. Sarfaraz Khan, who recently recovered from injury, makes his return and will reunite with his younger brother Musheer Khan. The bowling unit also appears to be in good shape with Tushar Deshpande and Royston Dias strengthening the pace unit.

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Youngster Ayush Mhatre, who played as captain of India's U-19 team and is part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL team, has also been drafted into the unit. Mumbai, which is in Elite Group D with Delhi, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir, will look to kick-start their season on a high note and take one step ahead after last season's runners-up finish to Vidarbha.

Mumbai Squad for Ranji Trophy 2025–26:

Shardul Thakur (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Tushar Deshpande, Shams Mulani, Siddhesh Lad, Musheer Khan, Ayush Mhatre, Tanush Kotian, Aakash Anand (WK), Hardik Tamore (WK), Akhil Herwadkar, Irfan Umair, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias.

In stunning news, the T20I captain of the Indian side, Suryakumar Yadav, has been excluded from the 16-member squad of the Mumbai side for the 2025-26 season of the Ranji Trophy for the opening round against Jammu and Kashmir. That clash will take place at the She-E-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on October 15, where the Asia Cup 2025 winning captain won’t be part of.

The senior selection committee of Sanjay Patil and Dilip Vengsarkar picked the Under-19 captain of the India side, Ayush Mhatre, in the squad, who will fly to Srinagar with the rest of the Mumbai team after arriving from Australia. The team will be under the leadership of Shardul Thakur, after Ajinkya Rahane decided to step down from his position.

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“No, SKY hasn't been dropped. It's just that his availability wasn't confirmed for this match. The Mumbai Cricket Association's staff tried to contact him (to ask if he would play in the match), but he didn't give his availability for this match to us.” The MCA secretary, Abhay Hadap, expressed to the Times of India (TOI).

Suryakumar Yadav excluded from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2025-26 squad against J&K

Sky didn’t feature in the three-day practice encounter against Maharashtra in Pune, which is an indication of why he hasn’t been considered for selection. However, it won’t be huge news given he isn’t expected to be part of the national side in the Tests and ODIs in the near future.

In the last season, the right-handed batter smashed 109 runs in three games at an average of around 22 with a top score of 70 in the quarterfinals against Haryana, but managed only 0 and 23 as Mumbai lost to the champions Vidarbha in the semifinals last season.

In a huge boost for the domestic side, Sarfaraz Khan has returned to the squad after completing his fitness test at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. He suffered a quadriceps injury during the Buchi Babu Trophy and was forced to miss the Duleep Trophy 2025-26 and Irani Cup 2025.

Mumbai’s 16-member squad for Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash vs J&K

Shardul Thakur (Captain), Ayush Mhatre, Aakash Anand (WK), Ajinkya Rahane, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Sylvester Dsouza, Hardik Tamore (WK), Irfan Umair, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Royston Dias.

Maharashtra batter Prithvi Shaw was involved in a heated argument with Mumbai’s Musheer Khan during Day 1 of the warm-up match between Maharashtra and Mumbai. The on-field spat broke out after Musheer teased Shaw and while this moment was unpleasant, it almost developed into a physical fight, with Shaw swinging his bat with displeasure and nearly reaching out for Musheer's collar, but umpires jumped in and prevented anything from happening.

The incident took place shortly after Shaw had played a brilliant innings of 181 runs off 219 balls, forming a massive triple-century stand with Arshin Kulkarni. However, after being dismissed by Musheer Khan, the Mumbai spinner sarcastically said “Thank You” to Shaw, which triggered the altercation. The fiery confrontation between the two players has now reached the level of both state associations, who are looking into the matter.

In light of the controversy, the cricket associations have appointed Dilip Vengsarkar to lead an investigation into it. He is a former India captain known for his firmness and discipline, hence the counseled disciplinary process is likely to be fair and transparent in the inquiry.

Investigation Underway into On-Field Altercation

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) secretary Abhay Hadap confirmed that the matter will be discussed during the Mumbai Ranji team’s selection committee meeting. He stated, “There will be a selection committee meeting on Thursday, so we will ask them, the Mumbai captain, coach, and the player, about what happened. We will be getting a report during our meeting, and former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who is our Advisor, will speak to them.”

See Also: WATCH: Prithvi Shaw fight with Sarfaraz Khan’s brother and Mumbai players in Ranji Trophy warm-up match

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has also decided to look into the matter from their end. Secretary Adv Kamlesh Pisal stressed the importance of discipline, saying, “I’m still awaiting the report. I will be obtaining detailed information about the incident and, depending on the gravity of the situation, we will speak to both players. Discipline among players is a very important aspect.”

Both boards are expected to release an official statement once the inquiry is complete. The cricketing community now awaits the outcome of this investigation, which could lead to disciplinary action against either or both players if misconduct is confirmed.

Ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Mumbai met Maharashtra for the three-day practice game, where the former Mumbai and current Maharashtra opening batter, Prithvi Shaw, smashed a fine knock of 181 runs in Pune. But the headline of the day was the heated fight between Shaw and the Mumbai player, Musheer Khan, when the former was dismissed.

Shaw was subjected to sleds during his stay at the crease, as it escalated when Musheer gave a ‘thank you’ send-off to Shaw’s dismissal. The former Indian U-19 World Cup-winning captain resorted to a physical altercation. There is no information about any of this from either the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) or Maharashtra Cricket Association (MACA), as Ankit Bhawne tried to decrease the flames.

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“It's a practice match. They are all former teammates. Such things happen. It's all ok now, and there is no issue.” Bhawne claimed at the end of the opening day’s play as Maharashtra found themselves in a strong position with the bat.

Ankit Bhawne reacts to the heated clash between Prithvi Shaw and Musheer Khan during practice match

While opening the batting, Shaw smashed a splendid knock of 181 runs in 220 deliveries, with the help of 21 boundaries and three sixes, and shared a 305-run opening stand with Arshin Kulkarni. The latter also celebrated a fine century and ended with 186 runs in 140 balls, with 33 boundaries and four sixes after they opted to bat first.

During the altercation, Shaw allegedly went a step further and tried to raise the bat by holding the collar of the Mumbai spinner after being subjected to sledging on the opening day of the three-day fixture between Mumbai and Maharashtra. The latter declared on 465/3 in 81 overs by the end of the day’s play.

Maharashtra and Mumbai won’t lock horns against each other in the group clashes of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26. From Group B, Maharashtra’s campaign opener will be against Kerala, which will begin on October 15. Shaw has continued his purple patch with a century in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, having also worked on his fitness.

The middle-order batter of the Indian side, Sarfaraz Khan, has continued to send a strong message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors before the upcoming home Test season against the West Indies and South Africa. He was dropped from the national side since last year’s home red-ball series against New Zealand.

Sarfaraz, during the first round of the Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 in the invitational tournament in Tamil Nadu, celebrated a fine century as the selection committee would look to plan the best batter for their number three or six after Karun Nair struggled during the away five-match England Test trip with inconsistent performances.

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Playing for Mumbai against Haryana during the Buchi Babu tournament, Sarfaraz Khan displayed his crazy performance with the bat. The right-handed batter was on 79 with several boundaries at run-a-ball before he cracked a huge six to celebrate a century in the third round of the tournament in just 99 deliveries. Sarfaraz will now come into contention for selection in the home Test season.

Watch: Sarfaraz Khan celebrates fabulous century for Mumbai during Buchi Babu Trophy 2025

Sarfaraz Khan has smashed 371 runs in six innings of the red-ball format at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of 74.94, with the help of three half-centuries and one century at the best score of 150 runs against the Blackcaps during the opening Test of the series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Sarfaraz has overall clubbed 4685 runs in 83 innings of First-class cricket at an average of 65.98 and a strike rate of more than 70, scoring 16 centuries and 15 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 301 runs. It would be really important for the batter to gain momentum before the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025, which starts on August 28 in Bengaluru, and the following Ranji Trophy 2025.

Apart from Sarfaraz Khan, the number three batter of the Maharashtra side, Ruturaj Gaikwad, got back to form with a fine century against Himachal Pradesh as he looked to get back in rhythm after missing the last few months and the biggest chunk of the IPL due to a wrist injury.

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, has decided to make a massive decision for Mumbai in the domestic cricket ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season. The 37-year-old has used his social media platform to announce his decision to step down from the captaincy of the domestic team. He led them in the last few seasons but has now made way for the youngsters to come forward.

Ajinkya Rahane has overall smashed 14000 runs in 340 innings of first-class cricket at an average of 45.16 and a strike rate of 53.21 with the help of 41 centuries and 59 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 265 runs. In Test cricket, the right-handed batter grabbed 5077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries and 26 fifties.

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“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with Mumbai to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season.” Rahane expressed on socials.

Ajinkya Rahane steps down from captaincy for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2025/26

Rahane’s last international red-ball fixture came in July 2023 against the West Indies at the Port of Spain. He featured in the WTC 2023 final against Australia at the Kennington Oval in South London. His last FC encounter, however, came in February this year against Vidarbha.

Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.

With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.

I remain fully committed to giving my best…

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 21, 2025

“I still want to play Test cricket. I'm passionate about playing Test cricket. I'm enjoying my cricket at the moment. I'm here just for a few days. I carried my trainers and my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so preparations have just begun.” Rahane expressed his wish in London during the Lord’s England vs India Test match.

However, with the young brigade taking on the batting department under captain Shubman Gill and them drawing the Test series 2-2 in England recently, the international door of comeback is slowly closing for the right-handed batter.

Rohit Sharma could soon be back in domestic cricket, with reports suggesting the India ODI captain may turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to start on December 24. The development comes amid murmurs about his and Virat Kohli’s future in the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup four years away.

The BCCI, keen to keep senior players match-ready, is reportedly considering asking both stalwarts to feature in the premier domestic List-A competition. The logic is simple: consistent game time at all levels will help assess whether the veterans still have the form and fitness to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.

For Rohit, this could be a significant return. The last time he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was in October 2018, when Mumbai won the tournament. He featured in two knockout matches that season, remaining unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar and scoring 17 in the semi-final against Hyderabad. He missed the final due to national duty, as India faced the West Indies in an ODI the very next day.

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare absence has been even longer; he last played for Delhi in February 2010, scoring 16 against Services. Should the selectors insist on their participation in 2025-26, it would mark a rare domestic one-day appearance for both.

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Domestic Return Hinges on Form and 2027 World Cup Plans

India’s schedule complicates matters. After ODIs against Australia in October and South Africa in late November-early December, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will slot in before the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11. Realistically, if Rohit and Kohli are selected for that series, their availability for most VHT games will be minimal.

At this stage, the prospect of seeing the two legends play in the competition depends on two factors: their ODI form in the upcoming six matches before the VHT, and the selectors’ vision for the 2027 World Cup. If they fire against Australia and South Africa, the domestic outing may become unnecessary. But if it runs dry, the VHT could become their proving ground.

For now, Mumbai fans can only hope the possibility turns into reality, a chance to see Rohit Sharma don the Mumbai colours in the Vijay Hazare Trophy once again.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the left-handed Indian opening batter, took a U-turn in five weeks to stay with the Mumbai Cricket Association, refusing his pre-decision to move to Goa for the 2025-26 domestic season. Many wondered what happened behind the scenes as the Times of India (TOI) revealed that it was Rohit Sharma who insisted Jaiswal stay with Mumbai and play with pride. 

The southpaw, reportedly, communicated his decision to stretch his domestic career with Mumbai after the hitman’s advice. The president of the association, Ajinkya Naik, revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s request to withdraw the NOC for his move to Goa was approved by the body thereafter.

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“Rohit asked Yashasvi to stay on in Mumbai at this stage of his career. He explained to him that there was a lot of pride and prestige in playing for a team like Mumbai, which has won the Ranji Trophy a record 42 times. Rohit also told Yashasvi that he must never forget that it was because of Mumbai cricket that he got a platform to show his talent and go on to play for India.” MCA president, Ajinkya Naik, told TOI.

Rohit Sharma convinces Yashasvi Jaiswal to stay back in Mumbai

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in terrific touch recently, having finished the England trip as the ninth leading run-getter with 411 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of nearly 70. The left-handed batter has already nailed 2209 Test runs in 46 innings at an average of 50.20, scoring 12 fifties and six centuries at the best score of 214.

On the other hand, it had been reportedly revealed that the Nagpur-born might not come under the plans of the BCCI for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027. The veteran decided to call it a day off the T20I format after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America, before hanging up his shoes from the longest format a couple of months ago, to focus on the 50-over format.

Jaiswal and Rohit shared a good opening partnership in a few of the games together. The former decided to stay back in England for a month with no international assignment in August. He will be back to feature in the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru from August 28.

In a major development, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), on Thursday, announced the establishment of two life-size statues to honor the Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and veteran administrator Sharad Pawar. The statues will be built outside the entrance of the MCA museum, which is due to open in the month of August. 

Set to open at some point during August, the museum will give viewers a deep dive into the city's glorious cricketing past and honor those who played an instrumental role in redefining the legacy of Mumbai cricket. The key figures who are held in very high regard while speaking of cricketing excellence within MCA are none other than Gavaskar and Pawar.  Their contribution to the game, both at the national and international levels, can't be overlooked.  

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MCA set to pay tribute to their cricket warriors

In a recent statement released by the MCA, the governing body confirms the deployment of the life-size statues and the entrance of the museum once it becomes operational later this month.  The statement reads as follows.  

"At the museum's entrance, visitors will be welcomed by life-size statues of Shri Sharad Pawar and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who remains one of Mumbai's and India's most iconic sporting figures."

Moreover, MCA president Ajinkya Naik took the opportunity to address the two sporting icons on a more personal level. While lauding the rich legacy of the duo, Naik commented that these coveted statues embolden the visionary mindset and cricketing prowess of the two individuals and will serve as a source of inspiration for countless generations to come. 

"Heartfelt tribute to the stalwarts of Mumbai cricket and a testament to the visionary leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar. The statue of Shri Sunil Gavaskar, one of India's greatest cricketing legends, will serve as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination. His monumental contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket will continue to motivate young cricketers to dream big and aim high."  

Gavaskar gave his immediate reaction to this development and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the MCA for honoring him in such a prestigious manner. 

"I am deeply touched and tremendously honoured that my mother Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to have a statue of mine at the entrance of the new MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the Wankhede Stadium."

Both Gavaskar and Pawar are well-known figures within Mumbai's cricketing circuit. Gavaskar, with 35 international centuries and 81 FC centuries, is one of the finest batting talents ever to be produced in world cricket. As for Pawar, the veteran cricket personality serves as the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and has also served in top administrative roles for the MCA, BCCI, and the International Cricket Council (ICC).