In a significant boost for domestic cricket, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and powerful all-rounder Shivam Dube are set to represent Mumbai in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. The star players will feature in two crucial matches as part of a directive from the national selection committee.
National Players Return to Domestic Circuit
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had instructed all Indian cricketers who participated in the recent T20I series against South Africa to play a minimum of two matches in the domestic 50-over tournament. Following this mandate, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube will turn out for Mumbai in their Vijay Hazare Trophy encounters scheduled for January 6 and 8.
A source close to the developments confirmed the news, highlighting the importance of top players maintaining match fitness and form. This move comes ahead of India's next international assignment, a T20I series against New Zealand starting on January 21 at home.
Mumbai Squad Gears Up in Jaipur
The Mumbai team is currently preparing in Jaipur, where they will play their league stage matches beginning December 24. The team had an optional practice session on Monday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. They will launch their campaign against Sikkim on Wednesday.
In other team news, former India captain Rohit Sharma is set to play the first two matches of the tournament. He is arriving in Jaipur on Monday night alongside Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur, who recently celebrated the birth of his child. Both players are expected to join the team's practice session on Tuesday.
Jaiswal's Recovery and Rahane's Rest
Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was hospitalised in Pune due to acute gastroenteritis after Mumbai's last Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy match, is on the road to recovery. Sources indicate he is feeling much better and is expected to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at a later stage.
Meanwhile, former India and Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane has requested rest from the initial matches of the tournament. He is managing a hamstring issue and will focus on recovery. Rahane is expected to be available for the second leg of the Ranji Trophy season.
Window for Domestic Cricket
The participation of India's top cricketers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is made possible by a gap in the international calendar. With no international fixtures scheduled until January 11—when a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand begins—players have this valuable window to engage in domestic cricket.
This initiative not only strengthens the competitive standard of the domestic tournament but also allows national team management to assess players' form in the 50-over format ahead of future ODI commitments.
