Mumbai announce Ranji Trophy squad for first two matches, Sarfaraz Khan misses out

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday, October 8, announced their Ranji Trophy squad for the first two games of the season. Sarfaraz Khan, who is expected to be a part of the Indian team for the three-match Test series against New Zealand has been ignored, while Shreyas Iyer has retained his place. 

In the last season, Iyer was criticised and even lost his BCCI contract for not playing in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final. This year, he has prioritized red-ball cricket, playing all three games of the Duleep Trophy and featured in the Irani Cup. He hit two half-centuries in the Duleep Trophy and another one in the first innings of the Irani Cup but still, the middle order batter is considered to be far from playing his best cricket.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane, who recently led Mumbai to Irani Cup success will continue as captain in the upcoming Ranji season. The veteran batter played a brilliant knock of 97 runs in the first innings against the Rest of India in the Irani Cup and will be hoping to keep up with the momentum to fight for a spot in the Indian team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Sarfaraz Khan omitted from Mumbai squad due to NZ series

When it comes to Sarfaraz, his service will be missed. The flamboyant batter made 222 runs in the Irani Cup, which helped Mumbai clinch the title. He has been a force to reckon with in the format and without him, Mumbai’s middle order may struggle. His brother Musheer Khan will also miss the first two games as he is still recovering from a neck injury. Notably, India are to host New Zealand in a Test series, starting on October 16.

Also Read - Sarfaraz Khan poses with Irani Cup with father Naushad and injured brother Musheer

All-rounder Shardul Thakur also retained his place in the squad. Like Rahane, he also has an opportunity to impress the national selectors and earn a spot in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi has also made the squad for the first time. Apart from that, the usuals - that are Siddhessh Lad, Prithvi Shaw, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian and Juned Khan are part of the squad.

Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad for first two games:

Ajinkya Rahane (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Shreyas Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Siddhesh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (wk), Sidhaant Addhatrao (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias.