World Cup-winning captain overlooked? Mumbai leave out Suryakumar Yadav, 19-year-old named as deputy

MUMBAI: The road back to competitive cricket is getting tougher for Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav. He has been left out of Mumbai’s squad for the opening match of the new Ranji Trophy season against Chandigarh on October 11. Although Suryakumar had expressed his interest in being considered for the team, the selectors decided against including him in the squad.

Chief selector Rajesh Pawar said Suryakumar’s absence from red-ball cricket for the past 18 months was the main reason behind the decision. While Suryakumar has produced strong performances in major matches, the selectors want him to regain his rhythm by playing a few matches before considering him for the team, Pawar said.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre has been named Mumbai’s vice-captain. The leadership role is reportedly aimed at grooming him as a future captain of the team. Ayush has already displayed strong leadership qualities by leading India to the Under-19 World Cup title this year. Siddhesh Lad is Mumbai’s captain. Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been included in the 16-member squad. He will play in the Ranji Trophy to gain match practice ahead of India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Suryakumar had earlier suffered a setback with the Indian team. After India retained the T20 World Cup title, he was removed as captain and was later dropped from the team altogether. Shreyas Iyer was subsequently appointed as the T20 captain. Suryakumar last played in the Mumbai T20 League in June.