Shivam Dube to miss Ranji Trophy opener with back stiffness

**Shivam Dube to Miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Opener Due to Back Stiffness**

*By Rajdeep Saha | October 14, 2025, 11:35 PM*

Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube has been ruled out of his team’s first Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take place in Srinagar starting Wednesday, due to back stiffness.

### Injury and Recovery

Dube had travelled with the Mumbai squad to Jammu and Kashmir but returned to Mumbai after experiencing discomfort in his back. The cold weather conditions reportedly aggravated his stiffness, prompting the team’s medical staff to advise rest. A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed to *The Indian Express* that Dube came back on Tuesday night to focus on recovery.

Despite missing the opener, Mumbai remains hopeful that Dube will regain full fitness in time to participate in India’s upcoming five-match T20 series against Australia, commencing on October 23.

### Impact on the Team

Shivam Dube’s absence will undoubtedly be felt given his all-round prowess. Known for his powerful hitting—especially his ability to clear sixes off spinners—Dube played a key role in India’s recent Asia Cup triumph. While he continues to be a vital member of the Indian T20 squad, Dube has also represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy over the past couple of seasons.

Mumbai will look to compensate for his absence with the return of middle-order batsman Musheer Khan.

### Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Campaign

Mumbai is placed in Elite Group D alongside Hyderabad, Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. The team traveled to J&K recently under the leadership of their new captain, Shardul Thakur.

The squad also features established Indian players such as Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan, who will be key contributors as Mumbai aims for a strong performance this season.

*Stay tuned for more updates on Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy journey and Shivam Dube’s recovery progress.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/dube-to-miss-ranji-opener-with-back-stifness/story

Prithvi Shaw to face former team Mumbai in practice match

Prithvi Shaw to Face Former Team Mumbai in Practice Match

By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 06, 2025 | 9:27 PM

Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw, who switched from Mumbai to Maharashtra after last season, is set to face his former team in a three-day practice match starting from October 7 to 9. The match will be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje.

Joining Shaw for this encounter is all-rounder Jalaj Saxena, representing Maharashtra. Shaw’s move to Maharashtra has generated excitement ahead of the domestic season, and this match will serve as an important warm-up.

Team Updates: Shreyas Iyer Ruled Out; Free Entry for Fans

Mumbai will be led by India all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who takes over the red-ball captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane. However, star batter Shreyas Iyer will miss the match due to a back injury. Iyer was recently seen playing in the unofficial ODI series for India A against Australia A.

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has announced free entry for fans to witness this exciting face-off between Shaw and his former side, adding to the enthusiasm surrounding the game.

Squads

Mumbai: Shardul Thakur, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Suved Parkar, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Akash Anand, Hardik Tamore, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Irfan Umair, Sylvester D’Souza, Royston Dias.

Maharashtra: Prithvi Shaw, Arshin Kulkarni, Siddhesh Veer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankeet Bawane (c), Saurabh Nawale (wk), Jalaj Saxena, Vicky Ostwal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dhade, Hitesh Walunj, Mandar Bhandari (wk), Harshal Kate, Siddharth Mhatre, Rajwardhan Hangargekar, Rajneesh Gurbani.

Upcoming Ranji Trophy Campaigns

Following this practice match, Mumbai is expected to announce their squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy opener around October 10 or 11, according to reports by The Times of India.

The 42-time Ranji champions are placed in Elite Group D and will begin their season against Jammu and Kashmir at Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium, Srinagar, from October 15 to 18. Other teams in Elite Group D include Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Pondicherry.

Maharashtra, on the other hand, have been placed in Elite Group B, alongside Kerala, Saurashtra, Chandigarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Goa. Maharashtra will start their campaign against Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram from October 15 to 18.

This practice match between Maharashtra and Mumbai will be a key opportunity for players to fine-tune their form ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/prithvi-shaw-to-face-former-side-mumbai-in-practice-game/story