Sarfaraz Khan missing as Mumbai names squad for Ranji Trophy

The Mumbai Cricket Association announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy. Interestingly, Sarfaraz Khan has not been included in the squad for the domestic red-ball tournament, which starts on October 11. Notably, Sarfaraz played a pivotal role in helping Mumbai win the Irani Cup recently. The middle-order batter remained unbeaten with a mammoth score of 222* as Mumbai secured the prestigious trophy, ending a 27-year drought. Ajinkya Rahane will continue as the team captain for the upcoming domestic series.

Sarfaraz Khan misses out as Shreyas Iyer named in Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy

Sarfaraz Khan wrapped up the Irani Trophy as the match-winner for Mumbai against the Rest of India. Released from the India squad for the second India vs Bangladesh Test, Khan smashed an unbeaten double ton, helping Mumbai claim the title after 27 years at Ekana. However, now that Mumbai has named the squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, Sarfaraz Khan has missed out on selection. According to reports, the middle-order batter will be included in the India squad for the three-match home Test series against New Zealand.

The Mumbai selectors picked the squad for their first two matches of the first-class tournament. Entering the edition as defending champions, Mumbai will face Baroda in the opening fixture, which starts on October 11 in Vadodara. Following that, the team will clash with Maharashtra at home from October 18, which coincides with the India vs New Zealand first Test in Bengaluru on October 16. Having been part of the squad that completed a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh recently, Sarfaraz Khan is likely to retain his place in the India squad for the home Test series. Thus, the 26-year-old will be unavailable to assist Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy campaign.

On the other hand, it seems like Shreyas Iyer will have to wait a bit longer before making a comeback to the Indian team. The batter lost his central contract with the BCCI earlier this year after missing the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals despite multiple reminders. However, redeeming himself, Iyer made a positive return to domestic cricket by playing in the Duleep Trophy and subsequently in the Irani Trophy. The batter has now been named in the Mumbai squad for the first two Ranji Trophy fixtures. This move by the selectors indicates that Iyer is not in contention to be picked for the India vs New Zealand Test series starting in October.