Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and other stars headline Mumbai’s squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26

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Mumbai have named a formidable 17-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26, featuring many prominent names. The squad, announced on Friday, November 21, reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent as the defending champions gear up for another title push.

One of the biggest talking points is the return of Suryakumar Yadav to Mumbai’s domestic T20 setup. Although he enjoyed a sensational IPL season earlier this year — amassing 717 runs at a strike rate of 167.91 — his form in international T20s has dipped drastically. Across 15 innings in 2025, the star batter has scored only 184 runs, averaging 15.33.

Mumbai’s decision to include him is seen as both a strategic and timely move. With India scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against South Africa beginning December 9, the SMAT offers Suryakumar an ideal platform to regain fluency and sharpen his game ahead of a packed white-ball calendar and the all-important T20 World Cup in 2026.

Crucially, Suryakumar will feature solely as a senior batter, while leadership responsibilities have been handed to all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

Mumbai enter the 2025–26 edition as defending champions after lifting the trophy in commanding style last season. Their campaign this year begins on November 26, with all league-stage matches scheduled at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The squad boasts a strong mix of power-hitters, seasoned campaigners, and dynamic all-round options. Shivam Dube, who has been in excellent ball-striking form across formats, adds significant firepower in the middle order. Ajinkya Rahane offers experience at the top, while Sarfaraz Khan and Siddhesh Lad solidify the batting core.

Mumbai’s young brigade — including Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Musheer Khan, and Suryansh Shedge — brings freshness and versatility. Their domestic growth in recent seasons provides Mumbai with the depth needed to tackle the tournament’s demanding schedule.

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The selection committee has ensured that Mumbai are well-equipped across departments. The pace attack, led by Shardul and Tushar Deshpande, carries both skill and experience. Meanwhile, spinners like Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, and Atharva Ankolekar offer variety, control and wicket-taking ability in middle overs.

The presence of two wicketkeepers — Raghuvanshi and Hardik Tamore — adds flexibility in team combinations, allowing Mumbai to adjust based on match conditions and opposition. Overall, the squad appears well-rounded, competitive, and built for high-pressure T20 cricket.

Mumbai squad for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: Shardul Thakur (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Sairaj Patil, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Atharva Ankolekar, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Tushar Deshpande, Irfan Umair, Hardik Tamore (wk)

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