India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is working on his wicketkeeping skills as he looks to add another option to his game, Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad revealed on Thursday.

Jaiswal has been seen practising behind the stumps ahead of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. The youngster has also been working on his leg-spin, having bowled at India nets and in a few matches.

Jaiswal Set To Play Mumbai’s Ranji Opener

Jaiswal will be available for Mumbai’s first Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

However, his stay with the Mumbai side will be short-lived. He is expected to leave after the opening game because of his national commitments.

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Speaking at Mumbai’s pre-season press conference, Lad said Jaiswal had spoken about his desire to develop his wicketkeeping.

“With Yashasvi, I feel he is trying hard to start keeping wickets. That’s what I heard from him. He wants to keep wickets for Mumbai or for the Indian team,” Lad said.

The Mumbai captain, however, admitted that he did not have complete clarity on whether Jaiswal intends to take up wicketkeeping regularly.

Jaiswal Looking To Add More Skills

Lad later explained that Jaiswal’s wicketkeeping practice appears to be part of his effort to become a more complete cricketer.

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“He is someone who has started practising keeping wickets because he feels he wants to add something more to his game,” Lad told PTI.

Jaiswal is understood to have kept wickets for around 10 overs during one of Mumbai’s practice matches ahead of the Ranji Trophy season.

The 24-year-old has previously shown an interest in contributing with the ball as well. He has bowled leg-spin during India training sessions and has also rolled his arm over in a couple of matches.

Mumbai to feature without Rahane, Shardul

Jaiswal’s presence will be important for Mumbai, especially with the team heading into the season without some of its experienced campaigners.

Former captain Shardul Thakur will not be available, while Ajinkya Rahane has retired from all forms of cricket.

Lad believes Jaiswal can make an impact beyond his performances with the bat.

“Someone like Yashasvi doesn’t only add performances; he adds value to the team with his experience. He is someone who has done really well at the highest level,” the Mumbai captain said.

How Jaiswal's presence can be helpful for Mumbai team?

Lad also feels that Jaiswal’s presence in the dressing room can help Mumbai’s younger players.

The opener has already established himself at the international level, and his experience could prove useful to a Mumbai squad going through a period of change.

“Sharing the dressing room with someone like Yashasvi helps us also with the youngsters and we are looking forward to it,” Lad added.

Mumbai squad for first match of Ranji Trophy 2026-27

Siddhesh Lad (Captain), Ayush Mhatre (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Divyansh Saxena, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Suved Parkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester D'Souza and Onkar Tarmale.