Star all-rounder Shivam Dube will not play for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season opening against Jammu & Kashmir, which begins in Srinagar on Wednesday, October 15. Shivam Dube, who had accompanied the crew on their trip, had to return to Mumbai by plane on Tuesday night due to back stiffness that was apparently brought on by the valley’s cold weather.
Shivam Dube is also a member of India’s T20I team for the forthcoming five-match series in Australia, which starts on October 29, thus the decision to remove him from the squad is expected to be a precautionary one. In order to avoid any escalation, the medical team assessed Shivam Dube condition and recommended rest, according to a source in the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Interestingly, the Mumbai team is hopeful Dube would recuperate in time to travel to Australia with the Indian team.
Due to the cold temperature, he had back discomfort when flying with the team. On Tuesday, the source told the Indian Express, “He flew back to Mumbai after the team medical team advised him to rest.”
One of Mumbai’s most influential all-round players over the last two years has been Shivam Dube.
Shivam Dube is dedicated to Mumbai’s red-ball system and frequently makes an appearance when his schedule allows, despite his national obligations. As a result of his absence, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian will now have to face the additional burden.
Mumbai, who lost out on a knockout position last year, is hoping to get off to a solid start under Shardul Thakur’s leadership. Ajinkya Rahane, who resigned as captain but is still a senior professional, has been training since July and is anticipated to be a key member of the middle order.
Another significant plus is the return of Musheer Khan, who missed the previous campaign due to a neck ailment. Also returning is his brother Sarfaraz Khan, who just recovered from a quadriceps ailment. Along with Delhi, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, and J&K, Mumbai is in Elite Group D and should recover from their shocking home loss to Jammu & Kashmir the previous season.
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