Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube allowed break from Ranji Trophy by Mumbai ahead of South Africa T20Is: Report

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube have both been given a break from playing Ranji Trophy by Mumbai. According to a report by The Indian Express, the duo have been exempted from the domestic tournament so that they can focus on preparing for the five-match T20I series against South Africa that will commence from December 9.

MCA have accepted the two's request

The report further stated that both Suryakumar and Dube have informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of their intention to miss the team's upcoming Ranji Trophy clash against Pondicherry that will commence from November 16. Their requests have been approved by the MCA and they will now be shifting their complete focus to the South Africa T20I series.

“Yadav has informed MCA that he won’t be available and we have accepted his request as we feel that with the T20 World Cup around the corner he should concentrate more on it. He has informed us that he will be available for Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. As far as Dube is concerned, there is an upcoming T20I series against South Africa so he can prepare for the same. The selectors have picked Tanush Kotian and Mohit Awasthi for Mumbai’s next Ranji Trophy game,” a MCA source told The Indian Express.

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Notably, the upcoming round of the Ranji Trophy will be the last of the tournament's first leg and the second leg will commence from January 22. Both Suryakumar and Dube haven't made a single appearance for the Mumbai team so far in the tournament and it remains to be seen if they will turn up to play the second lag next year.

India's fantastic run of form under Suryakumar

Meanwhile, India have been in fine form in the shortest format under Suryakumar's captaincy. The team hasn't lost a single series since he took over from Rohit Sharma in July, 2024. The team has recorded series victories over the likes of Sri Lanka, England, Australia and will be looking to continue their sensational form against the Proteas at home. India's team for the T20I series is yet to be announced.