Shardul Thakur Named Mumbai Captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

Shardul Thakur to Lead Mumbai in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Mumbai have appointed Shardul Thakur as captain for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) beginning on 26 November in Lucknow. The defending champions have assembled a formidable squad featuring a mix of India internationals and rising domestic talent as they aim to retain their T20 crown.

Leadership and Team Structure

Thakur, who previously guided Mumbai during the Ranji Trophy league phase, will once again shoulder leadership responsibilities in the shortest format. The 17-member group features dependable middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane , whose experience and composure remain assets in high-pressure matches. The squad has been strategically structured to offer depth in both batting and bowling.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube Strengthen Squad

India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube will be available for the league stage, giving Mumbai a decisive advantage in power-hitting and finishing ability. Their inclusion boosts Mumbai’s T20 firepower, allowing flexibility in the batting order and enhancing the team’s aggressive playstyle.

Emerging Talent and Balanced Combination

Young opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi , selected as one of the two wicketkeeper-batters, continues his rise after leading Mumbai’s U-23 side. His adaptability at the top adds variety to the lineup. The bowling unit features pacer Tushar Deshpande along with spin all-rounders Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian , offering Mumbai an effective pace-spin combination suited for varied playing conditions.

Tournament Fixtures and Expectations

Mumbai begin their title defence on 26 November against Railways. Their group fixtures include encounters with Vidarbha, Andhra, Assam, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. With a well-rounded squad and the presence of national-level players, Mumbai head into the competition as strong contenders to lift the trophy once again.

Exam Point

• Mumbai are the defending SMAT champions .

• Tournament begins 26 November in Lucknow .

• Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube available for league phase.

• Angkrish Raghuvanshi selected as wicketkeeper-batter.