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India’s Test opener has confirmed his availability for Mumbai‘s upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take place on January 23 in Mumbai. This announcement comes after a notable performance during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, where he was one of the standout players, scoring a century and a half-century amidst a challenging series for the Indian team.
A bright star returns to domestic cricket
Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s return to domestic cricket is highly anticipated, especially given his impressive form in international matches. He scored 391 runs in the Border-Gavaskar series, making him the leading run-scorer for India during that tour, with an average of 43.44. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a key player for Mumbai as they aim to secure their position in the knockout stages of the Ranji Trophy. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed that Jaiswal communicated his readiness to coach Omkar Salvi ahead of the selection meeting for the next round of matches. The selection committee is expected to finalize the squad soon, which adds to the excitement surrounding his participation.
Also READ: “I was confident about him”: Coach Jwala Singh expresses happiness over Yashasvi Jaiswal’s recent performance
Star-studded lineup on the horizon with Team India openers
In addition to Jaiswal’s inclusion, there is speculation about the potential return of Indian captain Rohit Sharma to the Mumbai squad. Rohit participated in training sessions with the team but has yet to confirm his availability for the match against Jammu and Kashmir. His last appearance for Mumbai was back in 2015, making this potential return even more significant. If both Jaiswal and Rohit are selected, Mumbai could field a formidable lineup that includes other experienced players like Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer.
Impact of domestic cricket on player selection
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket as a foundational element for player development. In a letter sent out last year, BCCI secretary Jay Shah highlighted that participation in domestic tournaments is crucial for centrally contracted players not included in international squads. This directive aims to ensure that players maintain their form and competitiveness ahead of major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Jaiswal’s commitment to playing in the Ranji Trophy reflects this philosophy, as he aims to stay sharp and contribute significantly to his state team while also preparing for future international commitments. In a recent development, India’s top-order batter Shubman Gill also has announced that he will join Punjab for their sixth-round Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka in Bengaluru on January 23, following a disappointing performance in the Test series against Australia.
Injury concerns within Mumbai squad
While Jaiswal’s availability boosts Mumbai’s prospects, there are concerns regarding Sarfaraz Khan‘s fitness. The middle-order batter has reported a rib injury that will keep him out of action for this upcoming match. The MCA is awaiting further medical assessments from the National Cricket Academy regarding Sarfaraz’s condition.
