Shifts in Mumbai Cricket: Top Players Changing

Another renowned batter is said to be contemplating an exit, causing significant change in Mumbai cricket. Conversations have surfaced that Suryakumar Yadav could also be on his way out only hours after Yashasvi Jaiswal sent an email asking for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Recently moved to the Elite Group in the Ranji Trophy, the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) is aggressively searching for players nationwide. Though conversations with Suryakumar are still ongoing, those with Jaiswal were settled days earlier. Furthermore, reports indicate that Hyderabad captain Tilak Varma has gotten offers.

Though Shamba Desai, the GCA secretary, would not name players, she verified ongoing conversations under interrogation. ;We are now negotiating with quite a few national players. I can't give you a name now. Desai informed TimesofIndia.com that we will be completing other professional player shortly.

Reasons for the uncertainty in Mumbai Camp and for the relocation

There is much conjecture that Suryakumar Yadav is persuading athletes to contemplate changing. Reportedly, Ajinkya Naik, president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has been meeting on the surprise exits.

Jaiswal's intention to relocate has already generated some debate. Having been approached by GCA over a week ago, he looked for an NOC. His exit is related to past events, among them a rift with Ajinkya Rahane during the 2022 Duleep Trophy and whispers of discontent in the Mumbai dressing room. Jaiswal's skipping of the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha due to an ankle problem added more fuel to the fire.

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Jaiswal's captaincy aspirations influenced his choice, which reports say he discussed with senior Mumbai teammates beforehand. Still, his timing of his departure is unexpected since it aligns with the ongoing Indian Premier League, where he is flying with Rajasthan Royals (RR) for their April 5 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Although neither Jaiswal nor Suryakumar has formally announced their departure, these events point to major transformations with in Mumbai cricket.

Harsh Dubey is a name that has been making headlines in Indian domestic cricket. A left-arm spinner and all-rounder from Vidarbha, he made news with his record-breaking Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, when he created a new record for the most wickets in a season. His regular performances have got cricket enthusiasts and experts sitting up and taking notice, and several feel that he may be playing at the top level very soon.

Who is Harsh Dubey?

Harsh Dubey was born on July 23, 2002, in Pune, Maharashtra. He fell in love with cricket at a young age. His hard work and talent made him play for Vidarbha Cricket Team in domestic cricket, where he has impressed with his bowling as well as batting.

Harsh Dubey's Cricket Career

First-Class (Ranji Trophy) Performance:

• Matches: 18
• Wickets Taken: 97
• Best Bowling Figures: 6/36
• Bowling Average: 19.98
• Runs Scored: 709
• Highest Score: 76

List A and T20 Cricket:

• List A Matches: 20
• Wickets Taken: 21
• Runs Scored: 213
• T20 Matches: 16
• T20 Wickets: 9

Shattering Records in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season was a turning point for Dubey. He took 69 wickets, setting a new record for most wickets in a season, eclipsing Ashutosh Aman's previous record of 68 wickets. His unforgettable bowling performances played a crucial role in Vidarbha winning the title, proving that he is a match-winner.

Also see : Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Kerala vs Vidarbha: A Thrilling Contest in Nagpur

Training with Ravichandran Ashwin

Harsh Dubey honed his bowling skills under the guidance of Ravichandran Ashwin while playing club cricket in Chennai. His coaching under Ashwin helped him to perfect variations and match sense, and thus he turned into a more feared bowler.

Harsh Dubey's Future in Cricket

With his ability and regular performances, Harsh Dubey is regarded as a future India player. He is also a good bet for the Indian Premier League (IPL), where teams are constantly looking for quality spin bowlers.

Harsh Dubey's path from a young hopeful cricketer to a record-shattering Ranji Trophy player is motivational. His skill to take wickets when the pressure is on and also score runs with the bat makes him a must-have player for any team. Be it IPL or the Indian national team, Dubey's future seems promising, and Indian cricket enthusiasts must watch out for this new talent.

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Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Kerala vs Vidarbha: A Thrilling Contest in Nagpur

The Ranji Trophy season 2024-25 was wrapped up by Vidarbha as the champions after winning their third title in the tournament's history. Though the final match against Kerala was drawn with a thrilling contest, Vidarbha won the trophy based on their first-innings advantage.

Champions and Runners-up:

Award Winners:

Top Performers:

Prize Money:

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Final Match Summary:
The last game between Vidarbha and Kerala witnessed some aggressive cricketing. Danish Malewar was the pick of Vidarbha players, scoring 153 in the first innings and 73 in the second innings. Kerala tried its best, but Vidarbha's first-innings advantage was sufficient to bring home the championship
Major Highlights of the Season:

• Harsh Dubey's all-round performance was a turning point in Vidarbha's victory, topping the wicket charts and contributing significantly with the bat.
  
• Shubham Sharma's consistency with the bat took Madhya Pradesh to the knockout rounds.
  
• Anshul Kamboj's record 10-wicket haul against Kerala was one of the best bowling performances of the season.
  

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy saw some great cricket, with Vidarbha establishing their dominance once again. The performances of young guns like Malewar, Dubey, and Rathod are a sign of good things to come for Indian domestic cricket.

Winners by Edition:

The final of the Ranji Trophy is being played out and the title will be determined on March 2, 2025. The 90th Ranji Trophy is nearing its conclusion and the game between Kerala and Vidarbha has been nothing less than an enthralling contest at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. The elite tournament of Ranji Trophy was inaugurated for the first time during the 1934-35 season and is considered India's top first-class tournament. Originally, it had been titled Cricket Championship of India and later called Ranji Trophy in the succeeding year.

VIDARBHA HAS WON 3 RANJI TROPHY TITLES IN JUST 7 YEARS 🤯

- New force of Indian Domestic Cricket. pic.twitter.com/grTjVqWxLd

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 2, 2025

ALSO SEE: Karun Nair's Ranji Trophy Heroics: 86 & 135 – A Strong Case for India Test Recall!

Vidarbha's Rise to Domestic Cricket
Vidarbha's journey to Ranji Trophy glory began in 2017-18 when they reached their first final. Faiz Fazal led them to their first title by defeating Delhi. They retained their title the following year by defeating Saurashtra, joining an elite group of teams that have won consecutive titles.
Nair, during his game against Kerala, was observed showing great calmness while batting, scoring his hundred off 184 balls. His whack, marked with seven fours and two sixes, contributed to Vidarbha reaching 249/4 at stumps, taking their overall lead to 286 runs after Kerala's first innings of 342.

Karun Nair, the gifted Indian batsman, is back in the news again for his unbelievable consistency in domestic cricket. Having become only the second Indian to score a Test triple century, Nair's international career took an unexpected turn, but his recent performances indicate that he is now set for a national comeback. With multiple centuries and match-winning knocks, Nair is proving that he still has a lot to offer Indian cricket.

A Match-Winning Performance

Karun Nair stepped up when the chips were down. 

He hit 86 in the first innings and then an excellent 135 in the second.

His timely knocks enabled Vidarbha to gain the upper hand over Kerala in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 final.

Karun Nair's Recent Domestic Cricket Performance

Nair's last 17 innings in domestic cricket have been nothing but breathtaking:                                                                                            122(108), 44(52), 163*(107), 111*(103), 112(101), 122*(82), 88*(44), 27(31), 39(80), 4(7), 3(13), 105(193), 122(243), 45(70), 6(17), 86(188), 135(295)**

• 860 runs in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 with a dazzling average of 57.33.
• 779 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy with an astounding average of 389.50 with five centuries.

Such a consistency across formats makes him a prime candidate for an India comeback.

The 'Nine' Celebration – A Message to Selectors?

After crossing his century, Nair gestured a 'nine' with his hands. Several people felt this was a message to BCCI selectors, as he has been overlooked for international selection since 2017. However, Nair soon explained that it was a premeditated gesture for the Vidarbha support staff, as he was celebrating his ninth century of the season.

Should Karun Nair be recalled to an India Test?

Even after scoring a record triple century (303*) in 2016, Nair has been ignored for the Indian team since 2017. But with India's middle-order struggling in the current England series, his present form makes him a prime choice for selection.

Karun Nair's run-scoring exploits in the Ranji Trophy final and in the domestic season have once again raised questions regarding his inclusion in the Indian Test team. Given his experience, reliability, and desire for runs, he could very well prove to be India's solution for the middle order.

During the Ranji Trophy match up, with so much on the line Danish Malewar stepped up with a crucial century that truly defined his skills under pressure.When he came in at a 11 for 2,Malewar demonstrated calmness as he led his team to a more favorable position.His performance wasn't, about the points he earned. Also showcased his resilience,persistence and unwavering resolve on such a significant platform. 

A Knock Under Pressure: Danish Malewar Rescues His Team

In the finals, Malewar showed resilience by handling the first barrage from the opposition bowlers with remarkable poise. His methodical strategy involved varying his shots to keep the ticking over and taking advantage of any deliveries while also working closely with his teammates to build essential partnerships and steady the teams innings momentum. As he found his rhythm at the crease and started playing skillfully with each stroke played out on the field—an impressive display of control that brought a renewed sense of confidence, to his teams batting order. His exceptional performance not pulled his team out of a situation but also demonstrated his ability to deliver when it truly counted. 

An Emerging Star

Hitting a century in a championship game is always memorable. Achieving it under challenging conditions makes it truly extraordinary. Malewars performance showed that he possesses the composure and skills needed to excel in higher level matches. 

His impressive display is bound to catch the eye of talent scouts. He could be, in line for chances with India A or even the IPL enough! If he keeps up this level of play he might just earn a spot, on the team before long. 

A Knock to Remember

Some centuries aren’t just another few runs, but define a player’s career. Malewar’s hundred in the Ranji Trophy final will be remembered for how he dealt with pressure and how he turned the match.

Saturday could be just the start of a promising career for the young batter. Wherever his journey takes him next, one thing is for certain—Danish Malewar has made sure to make an entrance.

The learnings from a stunning knock from Danish Malewar

• Scored a match-defining hundred in the Ranji Trophy final, leading from the front when the team needed him the most.
• Saved his side from an ominous 11/2, shifting the game’s momentum with measured and resolute batting.
• Displayed the perfect proportions of skill, temperament, strokeplay and how to cope with big-match pressure.
• Shined through Indian domestic cricket as an exciting prospect, captured the eye of fans and selectors alike.
• Massive step up for him to go to the next level of cricket with possibilities of playing in the IPL and for India A path in the future.

For cricket fans, it was a knock to relish. For Danish Malewar, it might just be the start of a remarkable journey in Indian cricket.

Kerala bowled out Gujarat for 455, creating a match-defining margin of two runs to take a huge stride towards reaching the Ranji Trophy final.
Before this, Gujarat's teen batting star Jaymeet Patel held firm against intense pressure in his debut First-Class season to bring his team nearer to Kerala's first-innings score with a rearguard action on Day 4 in the Ranji Trophy semifinal at Narendra Modi Stadium.

🚨 A FINAL'S ENTRY BY BAREST OF MARGIN IN RANJI TROPHY. 🚨

- Kerala for the first time in 74 years history have qualified for the Ranji Final by just 2 runs lead. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ClCjik4cBn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 21, 2025

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This year, Jaymeet, Gujarat's top run-getter, entered with the hosts struggling under a middle-order collapse led by Kerala's experienced off-spinner Jalaj Saxena. Rather than crumbling under pressure, however, he played the game out, stitching together vital partnerships with Vishal Jayswal and Siddharth Desai. His cautious approach helped Gujarat continue to chip away at the deficit, leaving it poised for a nerve-wracking finish where each run would be precious.
Gujarat's prospects of first innings lead were rocked in the morning session earlier in the day when Manan Hingrajia was given out by a debatable third-umpire decision, five overs into the morning session. The replays indicated the ball hitting his bat and pad nearly in unison, but the referral went against him to Kerala's benefit, having him return to the pavilion for 33.

India's star pacer Shardul Thakur is representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. The top player has not been provided with a spot in the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. Shardul is, however, set to represent the Essex team in the County Championship soon. Shardul's return can be useful for him to regain a spot in the Indian team.

🚨 SHARDUL THAKUR TO COUNTY CRICKET 🚨

- Essex is set to sign Shardul Thakur for this county season. [Nisarg Naik]

Huge boost for him ahead of the England Test series. pic.twitter.com/czMp7r7On4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025

Shardul Thakur Representation to India :
Shardul Thakur was the last of them when he represented India in Tests and ODIs in 2023. But he didn't perform well. He wasn't included in the Indian squad for being out of form. But Shardul also played for India in ICC tournaments during 2023. Shardul was part of the Indian team in World Test Championship 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023. It is tough now to think of his return to the Indian team. He is playing for Mumbai in domestic cricket now. Shardul is also playing in the current semi-final match being conducted against Vidarbha on behalf of Mumbai.

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Performance in Ranji Trophy :
Shardul has played his best ever in the Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai. Speaking about the last 3 matches, he has stunned everyone with bat and ball. He has picked 19 wickets in the last 3 matches, besides this, while batting in the last 3 matches, he has made 2 half-centuries besides 1 century. But by featuring in the County Championship, he will be in a position to market himself for a return to the Indian Test team since the Indian team will travel to England to play a 5-match Test series following IPL 2025. In the event that Shardul performs exceptional cricket in the County Championship overseas, then he could get noticed by the Indian selectors.

Career of Shardul Thakur:

Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube came up with an amazing bowling display in the Ranji Trophy semi-final, taking a vital five-wicket haul. His brilliant spell enabled Mumbai to strengthen their hold on the match, leaving them in a position of authority against Vidarbha.

FIVE-WICKET HAUL FOR SHIVAM DUBE IN RANJI TROPHY SEMI-FINAL. 💛

- What a fantastic bowling performance by Dube in the big stage. pic.twitter.com/0fNYnzBIAC

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 18, 2025

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Dube, who was best known for his aggressive batting, proved that he is all-rounder with the ball on the grand stage as well. His composed bowling frustrated the batting order of Vidarbha, snapping major partnerships and keeping Mumbai in charge.

Mumbai, who are chasing another Ranji Trophy title, would need Dube's all-rounder qualities to be instrumental in their bid for the championship.

Cricket experts as well as fans have appreciated the work of Dube, and his confidence level will be through the roof when he continues with the rest of the tournament. Will he keep on doing his heroics and take Mumbai to triumph? Only time will tell that!

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been sidelined for the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha with left ankle pain. The game is to be staged in Nagpur tomorrow.
Jaiswal, in top form, will now undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru .His loss is a huge blow to Mumbai, as he has been their go-to player in the tournament.
The management of the Mumbai team will now need to find a replacement for the space created by Jaiswal's injury. Teammates and fans will be looking forward to his speedy recovery so that he can join the game as soon as possible.

🚨 NO JAISWAL IN RANJI SEMIS. 🚨

- Yashasvi Jaiswal has been ruled out of the Ranji Trophy Semi Final due to ankle pain. (Gaurav Gupta/TOI). pic.twitter.com/bbFTvdSlOg

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 16, 2025

The Stage For The Semi-Final is to begin :

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Topping Group A with six victories from seven encounters, Vidarbha, the dark horse of the tournament, enters the semi-final. Karun Nair and the pace of Umesh Yadav have driven Vidarbha, winning on home soil. Atharva Taide and Dhruv Shorey have been the stalwarts of their batting order, and spinner Aditya Sarwate is a worry for the opposition on Nagpur's spin-friendly pitch.

Mumbai, though, has a counter in the left-arm spin of Shams Mulani and Rahane's experience, whose leadership will prove instrumental in coping with the pressure.