Yashasvi Jaiswal has been forced to withdraw from Mumbai's upcoming semi-final match in the Ranji Trophy against Vidarbha, scheduled to start on Monday in Nagpur. This decision comes after he sustained an ankle injury during training earlier this weekend. Jaiswal was originally included in India's squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, but he was a late addition to the non-travelling reserves, as team management opted for Varun Chakaravarthy to fill the spot. With his current injury, Jaiswal is expected to return home following this announcement.
In light of Jaiswal's absence, Mumbai has decided not to name a replacement, believing that their existing squad possesses ample talent capable of competing effectively. Mumbai features experienced players such as Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur, all of whom are well-equipped to handle the challenges presented by the semi-final match. Among these players, Dube is also listed as a non-travelling reserve in India's Champions Trophy squad, indicating that he may join the team in Dubai if required.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has swiftly become a critical member of India’s Test team and recently made his One Day International (ODI) debut against England during the first ODI in Nagpur, where he replaced Virat Kohli, who was sidelined due to a minor knee issue. In that match, Jaiswal managed to score 15 runs. Nonetheless, his participation in the current Ranji Trophy season has been limited, having played only one match to date—a group match against Jammu and Kashmir—where he scored 4 runs in his first innings and 26 in the second, as Mumbai faced a five-wicket defeat.
This season has not been without its hurdles for defending champions Mumbai, who struggled throughout the tournament. They narrowly advanced to the quarter-finals, where they faced significant challenges against Haryana, yet the resilience of their lower-order batsmen in the first innings proved pivotal in their eventual success. Now, as they prepare to contest Vidarbha in the semi-final, they will face a formidable opponent. This match-up echoes the title clash from the previous year, adding an additional layer of anticipation.
Vidarbha enters the semi-final in impressive form, having registered victories in seven out of their eight fixtures during this Ranji Trophy season, demonstrating their competitive edge. Their most recent triumph came against Tamil Nadu, where they achieved a convincing victory by 198 runs in the quarter-final match.
The Mumbai squad, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, has a solid roster ready to face this challenge against Vidarbha. The team comprises:
Ajinkya Rahane (Captain)
Ayush Mhatre
Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Amogh Bhatkal
Suryakumar Yadav
Siddhesh Lad
Shivam Dube
Akash Anand (Wicketkeeper)
Hardik Tamore (Wicketkeeper)
Suryansh Shedge
Shardul Thakur
Shams Mulani
Tanush Kotian
Mohit Avasthi
Sylvester D'Souza
Royston Dias
Atharva Ankolekar
Harsh Tanna
As the excitement builds for this crucial semi-final, both teams will undoubtedly aim to secure a place in the finals. The implications of Jaiswal's absence could leave a gap in Mumbai's batting strength; however, it is an opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion. The match promises to be an engaging contest, showcasing the depths of talent found within Indian cricket today. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the Mumbai team adapts and responds in the absence of Jaiswal, as they work to reclaim their Ranji Trophy title against a formidable Vidarbha squad.