Shreyas Iyer has been named in Mumbai’s lineup for the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu, happening at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground from March 2 to 6. He will take the place of Suryansh Shedge in the 16-player squad. Speculation arose when Shreyas opted out of the quarterfinal due to fitness concerns, leading some to suggest he prioritized IPL over First Class cricket.
Mumbai’s team management is counting on Shreyas to strengthen their middle order, which has been unstable recently, by putting up a strong performance in the semifinals. Additionally, Tamil Nadu’s squad received a boost as Washington Sundar is set to join them for the match.
Having played in the initial fixture against Gujarat at Valsad before joining the India-A and India Test squads, Sundar has been released to participate in the domestic tournament due to the fifth and final game starting on March 7 in Dharamshala.
B. Sai Sudharsan, the opening batter for Tamil Nadu, might also be available if he passes a fitness assessment. Currently undergoing rehabilitation for a back injury sustained during the India-A match against England Lions, Sai Sudharsan, like Washington Sundar, only participated in the Gujarat match this season.
Interestingly, Shreyas’s decision to withdraw from the crucial Ranji clash coincided with BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s announcement of a forthcoming directive mandating players to play domestic matches.
While Shivam Dube is recuperating from a side strain issue, Shreyas Iyer has fully recovered and will be ready for the semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Mumbai’s squad for the match includes notable players like Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, and Shardul Thakur alongside Shreyas Iyer, forming a formidable lineup for the upcoming contest.
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