Vijay Hazare Trophy: Prithvi Shaw dropped from Mumbai squad

Mumbai has announced a strong 17-member squad for the first three rounds of the upcoming 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, notably leaving out key players Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw. The absence of these two experienced batters has raised eyebrows, but Mumbai will aim to maintain their dominance in the domestic 50-over format. The prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic List-A competition, will kick off soon, with Mumbai looking to make a strong start under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer, who recently captained Mumbai to their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title, will bring confidence and momentum into the 50-over tournament.

The squad announced ahead of the group-stage matches in Ahmedabad includes several Mumbai stalwarts and star international players. Suryakumar Yadav, fresh from his impressive white-ball exploits, is expected to play a crucial role in the batting line-up. Shivam Dube, known for his explosive all-round abilities, adds depth to the middle order, while Shardul Thakur will spearhead the pace attack with his experience and skill. The team management has opted for a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising domestic talent, ensuring a balanced combination to compete against strong oppositions. Mumbai, traditionally a powerhouse in domestic cricket, will aim to make a significant impact in the Vijay Hazare Trophy despite the absence of Rahane and Shaw. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, the team’s focus will be on maintaining consistency and capitalizing on their recent form in the shorter formats.

Ajinkya Rahane, Mumbai’s highest run-scorer in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 469 runs, has been a surprising omission from the squad. Rahane’s stellar performances, including a crucial 98 in the semifinal against Baroda, established him as a vital player in Mumbai's recent success. His absence has come as a shock, especially considering his exceptional form in recent months. However, it has been clarified that Rahane requested a break from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for personal reasons, which has led to his exclusion from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad.

In contrast, Prithvi Shaw’s omission stems from his ongoing struggles with both form and discipline. While he was part of Mumbai’s victorious SMAT campaign, Shaw’s contributions were underwhelming. The opener managed just 197 runs in 9 matches, failing to provide the consistency expected of a top-order batter. His lackluster performance in the final further highlighted his struggles, leading selectors to take note of his form. Shaw’s exclusion serves as a reminder of the competition for spots in the Mumbai squad and the need for consistency to retain a place in the side.

Mumbai squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy

Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Ayush Mahtre, Angriksh Raghuvanshi, Jay Bista, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Siddhesh Lad, Hardik Tamore (Wicketkeeper), Prasad Pawar, Atharva Ankolekar, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, Royston Dias, Juned Khan, Harsh Tanna, Vinayak Bhoir