Ranji Trophy 2025–26: Big Boost for Mumbai as Thakur, Jaiswal Return for Ranji Quarterfinal Clash

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shardul Thakur joined the Mumbai team on Monday for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match against Karnataka, which is scheduled to begin on February 6. Karnataka advanced to the round of eight after an exciting victory over Punjab in their Group A encounter, while Mumbai led the Elite Group D with four victories and three draws.

While the famous Wankhede Stadium will host the T20 World Cup matches starting on February 7, the quarterfinal encounter between Mumbai and Karnataka will take place at the MCA-BKC Ground here from February 6 to 10. Jaiswal will play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy for the second time this season after participating in the first-round match against Rajasthan.

Both Thakur and Jaiswal had missed Mumbai’s previous Ranji outings. Even the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) was first unsure of the reasons behind Jaiswal's absence, while Thakur was sidelined due to a calf injury he acquired during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The circumstance drew notice, given that Jaiswal had no international responsibilities during that era.

Mumbai Squad for Ranji Quarterfinal:

As TOI had reported, ##YashasviJaiswal & ##ShardulThakur are back in Mumbai's 16-mam squad for the #RanjiTrophy quarterfinals against Karnataka at MCA ground in BKC from Feb 6-9! It will be a cracker of a game, but the media will be busy with the #T20WorldCup ! pic.twitter.com/DcNkaxsLBF

— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) February 2, 2026

However, according to reports, Jaiswal underwent an endoscopy and is still healing after being hospitalised owing to severe food poisoning during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Pune. While not quite at peak fitness, the young opener is deemed ready to return for the quarter-final.

After failing to confirm his availability during the second round of the group round, which ended on Sunday, the Indian opener was "not considered" for selection by the MCA and the senior selection panel. The Indian team travelling to the T20 World Cup does not include Jaiswal.  Siddhesh Lad, who led Mumbai in the former's absence owing to an injury sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will be replaced by regular captain Thakur.

Mumbai Squad: Shardul Thakur (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Akhil Herwadkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Sairaj Patil, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Avasthi, Onkar Tarmale, Divyansh Saxena, Suryansh Shedge.

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