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India’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav is all set to return to competitive cricket. The experienced batter will lead Mumbai in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026 and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026-27.
Mumbai will begin their SMAT campaign against Hyderabad in an Elite Group D match on November 14. Suryakumar is expected to be part of the playing group as he looks to get back into the rhythm of competitive cricket.
According to a report in The Times of India, the Mumbai senior selection committee, headed by Rajesh Pawar, has picked Suryakumar to captain the side. A Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) source also told the newspaper that the squad is likely to be announced in the next few days.
The Mumbai team will assemble before travelling to Kolkata on November 11 for the tournament.
Why Suryakumar Yadav Was Dropped From Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Squad
Suryakumar had made himself available for Mumbai’s opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season last month. However, the selectors decided against including him, citing his lack of recent experience in red-ball cricket.
The 36-year-old has not played a first-class match for around 18 months. Mumbai selectors wanted him to get some match practice before considering him for the longer format.
“He is obviously a big-match player and a proven performer for Mumbai. We just want him to get into rhythm by playing a few red-ball matches. Surya hasn’t played a red-ball match for the last 18 months, so we want him to have a few games under his belt and then he can get into the team,” selection committee chief Rajesh Pawar had told Cricbuzz.
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Since then, Suryakumar has been keeping himself busy with local cricket. He has represented MIC Cricket Club in the MCA President’s Cup and also featured in Mumbai’s T20 League after IPL 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav Looking To Fight His Way Back Into India’s T20I Team
The upcoming domestic tournaments will be important for Suryakumar, who has plenty to prove with the bat.
During Mumbai’s T20 League, India’s squad for the UK tour was announced. Suryakumar lost his place in the T20I side and was also removed from the captaincy after a lean run with the bat.
The right-hander will now have an opportunity to get back among the runs in domestic cricket. Consistent performances in the SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy could strengthen his case for an international comeback.
Suryakumar has not given up on returning to the Indian T20I team. The domestic season could give him the platform to make a strong statement.
Will Mumbai Indians Retain Or Trade Suryakumar Yadav Ahead Of IPL 2027?
Questions have also been raised about Suryakumar’s future with Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2027 season.
However, a Cricbuzz report suggests that the franchise has dismissed speculation surrounding a possible trade. Mumbai Indians are reportedly not looking to release the batter, who is expected to remain with the five-time champions for the next season.
Suryakumar endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign by his usual standards. He scored 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 and a strike rate of 147.54. He managed only two half-centuries during the season.
Despite the dip in form, Mumbai Indians are reportedly keen to retain him. However, he is not expected to return as the team’s captain.