Home
Mumbai can be in for a big boost heading into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as after earlier confirming his availability, Suryakumar Yadav will reportedly be leading the team in the tournament. According to a report by The Indian Express, Suryakumar is all set to lead Mumbai in the upcoming T20 competition that will commence from November 26.
It is likely that Suryakumar will be available for the opening few rounds of the tournament as after that he will have to shift his focus to the five-match T20I series against South Africa that will begin from December 9 and will go on till December 19.
Mumbai chief selector on Suryakumar and Dube
Earlier, Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil had confirmed that both Suryakumar and Shivam Dube will be available for SMAT. He had also said that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will select the team on November 21, Friday.
“I spoke to Surya this afternoon and he told me that he will be available for the entire tournament. So, is the case with Shivam. We will pick the team on Friday," Patil told Sportstar.
“We will have a discussion tomorrow and decide on the future course of action. For now, we will pick the side keeping in mind the fact that both Surya and Shivam will be available," he added.
India vs South Africa T20I series to also begin soon
However, it is unlikely that the duo will be with the Mumbai team for the latter stages as they will leave for the series against South Africa midway through the tournament. They are rather likely to be available for the opening few rounds of the SMAT. Shreyas Iyer could have been another name in the mix for Mumbai, but his injury has put him out of contention. Mumbai will begin their SMAT campaign with the clash against Railways on November 26 at the Ekana Cricket stadium in Lucknow.
Meanwhile, both Suryakumar and Dube had recently informed the MCA that they will be skipping Mumbai's Ranji Trophy clash against Puducherry in order to prepare for the South Africa T20Is.
ADVERTISEMENT
