Mumbai leave Suryakumar Yadav out of Ranji opener squad

Mumbai has left Suryakumar Yadav out of its 16-member squad for the Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh on October 11, despite reports that he had made himself available for the season. The Mumbai Cricket Association’s selection decision was announced ahead of the team’s opening match at Wankhede Stadium. Chief selector Rajesh Pawar said Yadav had not played red-ball cricket for about 18 months and would need to play a few matches to regain rhythm before returning to the side. Pawar described him as a proven player but said the selectors wanted him to get time in the format first. The explanation was reported by multiple accounts of Pawar’s remarks. An MCA source was quoted as saying Yadav had confirmed his availability to association president Ajinkya Naik. The reports do not establish whether selectors discussed their concerns about his lack of recent red-ball cricket with Yadav before finalizing the squad. His reported availability therefore did not result in a place in the opener’s 16-player group. Siddhesh Lad will captain Mumbai, with Ayush Mhatre named vice-captain. Yashasvi Jaiswal is also included.