Ranji Trophy: Mumbai keen to start off on a winning note

An expanding domestic calendar has brought a new set of opponents into Mumbai’s path over the years. After facing Puducherry and Meghalaya for the first time last season, the heavyweight will encounter another unfamiliar opponent when it takes on Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy season opener at the Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday.

Playing at home, Mumbai will look to begin its pursuit of a record-extending 43rd title with a bonus-point victory. While the host will be without Shardul Thakur, who has fractured his right middle finger, it has enough depth and experience to start off on a positive note.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s availability is a significant boost before the India Test opener heads to New Zealand for a rigorous tour. His presence adds firepower to a batting line-up that also features Sarfaraz Khan and his younger brother, Musheer, both of whom will be eager to begin the season among the runs.

Ayush Mhatre, meanwhile, will be keen to justify his elevation as vice-captain. The youngster is being groomed for a leadership role alongside Siddhesh Lad, who takes charge as Mumbai’s full-time captain.

With Shardul unavailable, Tushar Deshpande will spearhead the pace attack, while spin-bowling all-rounders Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian will look to make an early impression. The trio has been knocking on the door of national selection and another productive outing could strengthen its case.

There is an intriguing subplot, too. When Lad first captained Mumbai in the 2018-19 season, Vinayak Samant was the team’s head coach. Samant, appointed Chandigarh coach only three days before the opener, now returns to the Wankhede in the opposition dugout.

Chandigarh captain Manan Vohra and Samant will have their work cut out against a Mumbai side familiar to the venue and the weight of its history. With a relatively inexperienced squad, the visitor will need to withstand the early pressure and find a way to challenge the host.

For Mumbai, the immediate task is simpler: make home advantage count and begin the long road to another title in emphatic fashion.