Suryakumar Yadav training, Shardul Thakur in Tests (In Circle) | Source: AFP PhotosSuryakumar Yadav, India’s reigning T20 World Cup-winning captain, confirmed his availability for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad. The 36-year-old, who is no longer in the BCCI’s scheme of things across any format, spoke to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) about playing in India’s most prestigious red-ball competition, as the Times of India (TOI) reported.In another development, TOI reported that Mumbai’s former captain, Shardul Thakur, has been ruled out of the first phase of the Ranji Trophy 26/27 after sustaining a hand injury. Nonetheless, MCA named Siddhesh Lad the new captain earlier for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy campaign.Suryakumar Yadav Confirms Ranji Trophy Availability After 1-Year BreakSuryakumar Yadav did not play a single match for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy last year. Before that, in the 24/25 season, he was involved in three matches, including the quarter-final and semi-final.Also Read: "What Change Did It Bring?" Suryakumar Yadav Finally Speaks On India's T20I SnubUnfortunately, he did not do much, making 109 runs across five innings, including a two-ball duck against Vidarbha in the semi-final. Now,TOI reported that Suryakumar has spoken directly to the MCA president about being included in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad."Surya has confirmed his availability for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy to MCA president Ajinkya Naik," a source in the Mumbai Cricket Associationtold TOI.Shardul Thakur At Least To Miss Few Ranji Trophy MatchesOn the other hand, Shardul Thakur, who played for Mumbai in six matches in last edition’s Ranji Trophy, will miss at least the initial few matches. A hand injury, caused by an unfortunate accident with Ayush Mhatre, will keep him on the sidelines."Shardul suffered a hand injury when he was struck by a ball that Ayush Mhatre drove towards him. The hand injury is likely to see him miss a few matches," a source in the MCA told TOI.Shardul, once one of India’s most important members of the fast-bowling attack in Test cricket, has played 104 First-Class matches. He averages just over 28, having taken 316 wickets at a strike rate of 52.Last year in the Ranji Trophy, Shardul had a strike rate of 43, taking 13 wickets in 10 innings.Also Read: Can Virat Kohli Break Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 Centuries Record? Dinesh Karthik Answers
