Mumbai Add Suryansh Shedge and Angkrish Raghuvanshi for Himachal Pradesh Ranji Trophy Clash
Mumbai have brought Suryansh Shedge and Angkrish Raghuvanshi into their squad for their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2026–27 fixture against Himachal Pradesh. The match is scheduled to begin on October 18 in Dharamshala, where Mumbai will look to maintain their momentum despite two changes to the group.
The pair replace Ayush Mhatre and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are unavailable for different reasons. Mhatre has suffered a serious hamstring injury, while Jaiswal is set to travel with the India A team to New Zealand. The selection changes add fresh options to Mumbai’s batting resources ahead of a challenging away match.
Mhatre sidelined by hamstring injury
Mhatre, named Mumbai’s vice-captain before the start of the season, picked up an injury during the team’s match against Chandigarh. He has been diagnosed with a Grade 4 tear in his right hamstring and is expected to miss between four and six weeks of cricket.
The injury is a setback for both the young batter and Mumbai. A lengthy recovery period can disrupt a player’s rhythm and preparation, while the team must now adjust its plans without a senior leadership option. Mumbai will be hoping Mhatre can focus on rehabilitation and return once he is fully fit, rather than risk aggravating the injury by coming back too soon.
His absence also creates an opportunity for other players in the squad to take on greater responsibility. In a long-format competition, depth matters: teams need batters who can build partnerships, manage difficult passages and contribute across several days, particularly when playing away from home.
Shedge returns after India A commitments
Shedge is back in the Mumbai setup after completing his assignments with India A against Australia A. His return gives the selectors another option as they prepare for the Dharamshala fixture, and his recent experience in a representative environment could prove useful in a demanding match situation.
For Shedge, the immediate challenge will be to translate that experience into a strong domestic performance. A place in the squad does not guarantee selection in the playing XI, but his inclusion strengthens Mumbai’s available choices and gives the team additional flexibility when finalising its combination.
Raghuvanshi joins the squad as Jaiswal departs
Raghuvanshi has also been added to the squad, replacing Jaiswal, who will be with India A on its New Zealand tour. Jaiswal’s absence is due to national-team commitments rather than injury, but it still leaves Mumbai without one of their prominent batting options for this round.
Raghuvanshi’s selection gives Mumbai another opportunity to assess its batting depth during the Ranji campaign. If called upon, he will need to adapt quickly to the demands of first-class cricket: patience, sound judgement outside off stump and the ability to build an innings over extended periods are often decisive in the format.
The changes also underline the competing demands on India’s domestic players. Strong performances in the Ranji Trophy can lead to higher honours, but selection for India A may mean missing a state fixture. Mumbai will need to balance those absences while keeping its focus on collecting valuable points in the competition.
Mumbai’s squad for the Himachal Pradesh match
The Mumbai squad for the Dharamshala fixture includes Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Suryansh Shedge, Divyaansh Saxsena, Siddhesh Lad (captain), Sarfaraz Khan, Mushir Khan, Suved Parkar, Akash Anand (wicketkeeper), Hardik Tamore (wicketkeeper), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza and Omkar Tarmale.
Captain Siddhesh Lad will lead a group that combines experienced campaigners with younger players seeking a bigger role. Mumbai also have multiple wicketkeeping choices in Akash Anand and Hardik Tamore, while the squad’s bowling and all-round options give the selectors room to tailor the team to conditions.
Dharamshala conditions could shape team selection
The venue adds another layer to the selection picture. Conditions in Dharamshala can vary with the weather and the state of the pitch, so Mumbai’s final XI may depend on whether the surface appears more favourable to seam bowling or offers assistance to spinners as the match progresses. The team’s balance between specialist batters, seamers and spin options will be important.
In a four-day Ranji Trophy match, a strong start with the bat can be just as valuable as taking early wickets. Mumbai will want its top order to absorb pressure and lay a platform, while the bowlers must make the most of any movement available. The squad’s all-round depth could become particularly useful if the match develops into a close contest.
Match outlook and prediction
Any cricket prediction for this fixture should be cautious until the pitch and playing conditions are clearer. Mumbai’s experience and depth make them a formidable opponent, but an away match brings its own challenges, and Himachal Pradesh will be motivated to use local conditions to its advantage.
Mumbai’s prospects may depend on how effectively the replacement players settle into their roles and whether the team can compensate for Mhatre’s absence and Jaiswal’s unavailability. If the batters build substantial first-innings partnerships and the bowling unit delivers consistent pressure, Mumbai will have a strong chance of controlling the match. Still, the final outcome is likely to hinge on execution across all four days rather than reputation alone.
With the October 18 start approaching, attention will turn to Mumbai’s final XI and the condition of the Dharamshala surface. The squad changes bring fresh opportunities for Shedge and Raghuvanshi, while the rest of the group will be expected to provide the stability needed for a demanding Ranji Trophy assignment.
