Overview
- Mumbai's 17-member squad is official with Shardul Thakur as captain and Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan included.
- Friday's announcement overrides earlier reports that Suryakumar would lead, confirming he will play as a senior batter rather than captain.
- Suryakumar has publicly said he does not fear losing India’s T20I captaincy to Shubman Gill and is focused on hard work and form.
- The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy runs from November 26 to December 18, overlapping with India’s five T20Is against South Africa from December 9 to 19, which is expected to limit centrally contracted players' SMAT availability.
- Selectors have elevated Gill to lead in Tests and ODIs and named him T20I vice-captain, signaling a long-term plan to groom him for broader leadership.