Star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is all set to return to domestic fold and will be featuring in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy 2024-2025 semifinal clash after not getting selected in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Yashasvi Jaiswal to feature in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy semifinal clash vs Vidarbha
Yashasvi Jaiswal, initially named in India's preliminary squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, was surprisingly omitted from the final squad. He has now been designated as a non-traveling reserve, meaning he will only travel to Dubai if necessary. Consequently, the Indian opener will be available to represent Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinal against Vidarbha. The match is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 17, in Nagpur.
According to a report by Mid-Day, Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil has disclosed that the same Mumbai will play against Vidarbha with the same squad which was fielded against Haryana in the quarterfinal clash. The only inclusion will be Yashasvi Jaiswal.
"The inclusion of Yashasvi for this crucial game will be beneficial and will boost the Mumbai team's morale," Sanjay Patil said (via Mid-Day).
While Yashasvi Jaiswal's availability is a big boost for Mumbai, the defending champions also have a cause for concern. India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, is reportedly doubtful for the semifinal match due to a wrist injury sustained during Mumbai's quarterfinal against Haryana in Kolkata. Suryakumar notched scored of 9 and 70 in that match, which saw Mumbai secure a 152-run win to make it to the semifinal.
Jaiswal's sole Ranji Trophy appearance this season saw him score 4 and 26 in Mumbai's five-wicket loss to Jammu & Kashmir. However, the explosive left-handed opener, who impressed in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 391 runs in five Tests at an average of 43.44, including one century and two half-centuries, will be eager to make a statement to the national selectors and will undoubtedly strengthen Mumbai's batting lineup.
Mumbai secured their place in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinals with a resounding 152-run victory over Haryana in the third quarterfinal at Eden Gardens. Batting first, Mumbai posted 315 runs in their first innings, fueled by crucial half-centuries from Shams Mulani (91) and Tanush Kotian (97).
Mulani and Kotian also contributed with the ball, each taking two wickets. Shardul Thakur was the standout bowler, claiming a six-wicket haul, as Mumbai bowled out Haryana for 301, gaining a narrow first-innings lead.
In their second innings, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with a century (108). He received valuable support from Suryakumar Yadav (70), Siddesh Lad (43), and Shivam Dube (48), which helped Mumbai reach 339. This set Haryana a target of 354 runs for victory. Royston Dias then shone with a five-wicket haul, while Shardul (three) and Tanush (two) provided further support. Haryana were eventually bowled out for 201, handing Mumbai a comprehensive win and a place in the semifinals.