Mumbai will be without star all-rounder Shivam Dube for their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season opener against Jammu & Kashmir, to be played in Srinagar. The 31-year-old was forced to withdraw from the squad after suffering from back stiffness and returned to Mumbai for treatment on Tuesday evening.
Shardul Thakur has been appointed as Mumbai’s captain for the Ranji Trophy season, succeeding Ajinkya Rahane, who stepped down from the leadership role.
Sarfaraz Khan, who missed the recent home Test series against West Indies due to a quadriceps injury, has returned to strengthen the batting order.
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Shivam Dube ruled out of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Opener in Mumbai
Shivam Dube was ruled out of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar due to back stiffness.
According to The Indian Express, Dube initially traveled with the team but was advised by the medical staff to return to Mumbai as a precaution.
The all-rounder, who remains a key member of the Indian T20I squad, is expected to return to full fitness ahead of the upcoming five-match T20I series in Australia after the ODI leg that concludes on October 23.
“He was flying with the team but due to the cold weather he suffered from back stiffness. The medical team advised him to rest so he flew back to Mumbai on Tuesday,” a source from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) told the publication.
Mumbai placed in Elite Group D alongside Delhi, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Jammu and Kashmir
Mumbai is optimistic that Shivam Dube will recover in time to join the Indian squad for the Australia tour on October 23. The all-rounder, who played a crucial role in India’s recent Asia Cup triumph, is an integral part of the national T20 set-up and also plays regularly in domestic red-ball cricket.
Mumbai narrowly missed the knockout stages last season and will be looking for redemption after their shock defeat at home to Jammu & Kashmir last year.
The team has been placed in Elite Group D alongside Delhi, Rajasthan, Hyderabad and Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, the 91st edition of the Ranji Trophy starts on Wednesday, October 15.
Will Shivam Dube be ready for India’s Tour of Australia?
Shivam Dube played a decisive role in India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory, opening the bowling and delivering a disciplined three-over spell, conceding just 23 runs in the summit clash. Dube also played a quick 22-ball 33, crucial in guiding India to a successful chase of 147.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav relied on Dube as a steady bowling option throughout the tournament, and the all-rounder repaid that faith by taking five wickets. His all-round performances played an important role in the title-winning campaign.
The report added that there are no major concerns about his condition. Dube is expected to make a full recovery and join the squad for the upcoming T20I series in Australia, starting on October 29.
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