Shivam Dube Withdraws from Mumbai's Ranji Opener as Precaution Ahead of T20I Series

Mumbai allrounder Shivam Dube has been withdrawn from the team’s Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener against Jammu & Kashmir due to back stiffness. Dube returned to Mumbai from Srinagar on Tuesday evening in what is understood to be a precautionary move, especially with his inclusion in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming Australia tour, starting October 23.

Dube’s absence is a blow for Mumbai just ahead of the season start, but the decision appears to prioritise long-term fitness. The 32-year-old has recently emerged as a vital asset in India’s white-ball setup. During the 2025 Asia Cup, he impressed with both bat and ball — particularly in the final against Pakistan, where he filled in for the injured Hardik Pandya as a new-ball bowler, delivering a tight spell of 3-0-23 and later scoring a vital 33 off 22 balls in a successful chase.

While his return to red-ball cricket will now have to wait until after the Australia series, Mumbai have received a boost with the return of promising allrounder Musheer Khan, who missed the previous season following a neck and collarbone injury sustained in a road accident.

Also returning to the squad is Sarfaraz Khan, who was ruled out of the recent Test series against West Indies due to a quadriceps injury. The middle-order batter is expected to play a key role for Mumbai this season.

Shardul Thakur to Lead Mumbai in Ranji 2025-26

With Ajinkya Rahane stepping down from captaincy, India allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai side this season. Rahane, however, continues to remain an active part of the squad. The veteran has been preparing extensively for the season, having resumed training as early as July, even carrying his gear to the UK while on a media assignment during India’s Test tour.

Mumbai, runners-up in the 2024-25 season, are placed in Group D alongside Jammu & Kashmir, Hyderabad, Delhi, Puducherry, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.

Their campaign begins with a high-stakes fixture against J&K, a rematch of last season’s group-stage clash which Mumbai lost by five wickets at the Bandra Kurla Complex — a result they will be eager to avenge.

Despite the setback of losing Dube, Mumbai head into the season with a strong core of returning players and experienced campaigners, looking to reclaim their dominance and pursue a record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title.