Mumbai's squad has been announced for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which is scheduled to start from November 26. However, in a big leadership change as recently traded Mumbai Indians star Shardul Thakur has been named the skipper, chosen over Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav, who currently captains the national T20I side and is a seasoned Mumbai Indians batter, has represented the Mumbai state team for several seasons. However, his recent dip in form has reportedly raised doubts regarding his suitability for captaincy.
Shardul Thakur to lead Mumbai in SMAT 2026
Despite his recent dip, Suryakumar Yadav was still named in the Mumbai squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Nevertheless, he has been relieved of his captaincy duties. Instead, the team leadership has been handed to bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who was previously named the skipper for the Ranji Trophy season after Ajinkya Rahane stepped down from that role.
Thakur brings significant experience, having played for India and served in the Mumbai squad for over a decade. His appointment comes shortly after he was traded into the Mumbai Indians camp from the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL mini-auction, marking a leadership role both at the state level and in the new franchise setup.
The Mumbai squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy includes several key players, notably the prominent CSK all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has recently impressed while performing with the ball for the Indian national team. The squad also features a blend of youth and experience, with youngsters Raghuvanshi and Ayush Mhatre being drafted in to play alongside the seasoned veteran Ajinkya Rahane.
The spin bowling all-rounders in the side are Suryansh Shedge and Musheer Khan, while Sams Mulani and Tanush Kotian have been named as the two lead specialist spinners. The pace bowling attack is expected to be led by the newly appointed skipper Shardul Thakur, in partnership with Tushar Deshpande.
This final selection of players to represent the state in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was made by the senior selection committee of the Mumbai Cricket Association. The committee consisted of Chairman Mr. Sanjay Patil, along with Mr. Ravi Thaker, Mr. Jitendra Thackeray, Mr. Vikrant Yeligeti, and Mr. Deepak Jadhav.
Mumbai squad for SMAT 2025:
Shardul Thakur (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Siddesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Sairaj Patil, Musheer Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Atharva Ankolekar, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Tushar Deshpande, Irfan Umair, and Hardik Tamore (wk).