In a significant boost for Mumbai's domestic campaign, star Indian cricketers Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube have committed to playing two crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy matches next month. The move aligns with a broader directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its centrally contracted players to actively participate in domestic tournaments whenever available.
Confirmed Availability for Key Fixtures
Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, and powerful all-rounder Shivam Dube have officially informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about their participation. They will be available for Mumbai's 50-over matches against Himachal Pradesh on January 6 and against Punjab on January 8. Their names will be formally added to the Mumbai squad for these encounters.
This development comes after the Indian team's successful 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa. It is understood that all players who were part of that series have been instructed to play a minimum of two Vijay Hazare Trophy games. The BCCI has communicated this expectation to all its contracted players, emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket for maintaining form and sharpness.
BCCI's Push for Domestic Cricket Participation
The decision reinforces a policy championed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar had previously stressed that players should turn out for their domestic sides during breaks from international duty. He highlighted that playing competitive domestic cricket is the best way for players to stay match-fit and in rhythm, especially during extended gaps in the international calendar.
"We made it clear that whenever players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket," Agarkar had stated. "That's the only way you'll keep yourself sharp... if the guys are free, they should be playing domestic cricket." The current move by Suryakumar and Dube is a direct implementation of this philosophy.
Road to the T20 World Cup
The Vijay Hazare Trophy stint will serve as vital match practice for the duo ahead of a packed schedule. The Indian T20I squad has a break of just under a month before regrouping to face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, starting in Nagpur on January 21. This series is India's final assignment before they embark on their title defense at the T20 World Cup 2024, which begins for India with a match against the USA at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
Meanwhile, senior batter Rohit Sharma and Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur are expected to join the Mumbai squad in Jaipur on Monday. They will participate in the team's practice session on Tuesday ahead of Mumbai's opening Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. Mumbai begins its campaign against Sikkim on December 24, followed by a game against Uttarakhand on December 26, with both matches to be played in Jaipur.
