Mumbai have an interesting decision to make over their white-ball captaincy, with Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav both in the frame for the role. Both players have plenty of leadership experience, but their availability for Mumbai could eventually decide who gets the job.
Iyer appears to have the stronger case at the moment. He was named India’s T20I captain in June, replacing Suryakumar, who had led India to their second straight T20 World Cup title earlier this year.
Iyer’s appointment was a notable one as he had not played a T20I for India since December 2023.
MCA Keeping Both Options Open
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is not ruling out either player yet. The association is expected to take a call based on their international commitments and availability.
“We have both Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav as the choice for white-ball captaincy, but it depends on their availability,” a senior MCA official told PTI.
The situation could become clearer once India’s schedule is taken into account. Iyer is now leading India in T20Is, while Suryakumar is still trying to find his way back into the national team.
For Mumbai, that could mean choosing their captain based not only on leadership qualities but also on how regularly the player will be available for domestic cricket.
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Siddhesh Lad To Lead Mumbai In Ranji Trophy
Mumbai’s red-ball captaincy situation, however, is much clearer.
Experienced batter Siddhesh Lad has been named Mumbai’s new Ranji Trophy captain, replacing Shardul Thakur. The move is aimed at managing Thakur’s workload and allowing him to focus more on his role as one of Mumbai’s key red-ball bowlers.
This will be Mumbai’s second straight Ranji season with a new captain. Thakur had taken over from Ajinkya Rahane last season.
Rahane, who retired from all forms of cricket in July, had led Mumbai to their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season.
Lad Comes In On The Back Of A Strong Season
Lad will take charge after an impressive Ranji campaign last season.
He scored 774 runs in eight matches at an average of 77.40, including five centuries and a fifty.
Mumbai will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh on October 11 in Elite Group D.
After reaching the quarter-finals last season, Mumbai will be hoping that Lad can guide the team to a deeper run this time.