The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced a 28-player probables list for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament. The list includes several prominent names such as Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer, alongside experienced batsman Ajinkya Rahane. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Mumbai’s squad appears well-prepared for a competitive season ahead.

Mumbai’s senior selection committee finalises probables

The probables list was selected by the MCA’s Senior Selection Committee, chaired by Sanjay Patil and including Ravi Thaker, Jeetendra Thackeray, Kiran Powar, and Vikrant Yeligeti. This committee has aimed to create a balanced roster that includes senior players and young talents for the domestic T20 competition.

In addition to Prithvi Shaw and Shreyas Iyer, all-rounder Shardul Thakur and left-arm spinner Shams Mulani have also made the cut. However, star all-rounder Tanush Kotian’s absence from the probables has raised eyebrows. Young wicketkeepers Hardik Tamore and Aakash Anand are among the two selected to take on glovework responsibilities, while promising teenager Ayush Mhatre, who impressed in his debut Ranji season, has also been included.

The players have been asked to report to the MCA Academy at the BKC facility on Saturday, November 9, ahead of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy clash against Odisha, giving the squad an opportunity to begin preparation for the tournament together.

See Also: BGT could be Gambhir's last assignment as India head coach

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy schedule and Mumbai’s Group E opponents

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is set to begin on November 23, bringing together top domestic teams from across India. Mumbai has been placed in Group E, where they will face off against teams including Goa, Kerala, Services, Maharashtra, and Nagaland. The competition will span several weeks, with the final scheduled for December 15.

Mumbai’s campaign will kick off with a match against their neighbours, Goa. The venue for this opening clash will be announced soon, but the team is eager to make a strong start. With a squad filled with both experienced hands and emerging players, Mumbai will be aiming to lift the trophy and demonstrate their strength in India’s premier domestic T20 competition.

This probables list for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy highlights Mumbai’s commitment to both experienced talent and promising youth. As the team heads into the season, they look to showcase skill and determination in their quest for T20 success. Fans will be keenly watching stars like Shaw and Iyer lead the way as the tournament unfolds.

Shreyas Iyer has finally brought his consistent form with the bat as he scored his second consecutive first-class century in domestic cricket, which shined in a double century. 

Although Shreyas Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to win the IPL 2024 title, which was the third IPL trophy success for the team, Iyer is now under pressure for his inconsistent form. After scoring 351 runs in 14 innings in the IPL 2024, Iyer struggled in the ODI series in Sri Lanka, where the right-handed batter scored only 38 runs in three innings. 

During the Duleep Trophy, Iyer failed to reach the double-digit scores in the first innings chances and scored 54, 41, and 50 runs in the second innings opportunities. 

In the first two first-class games for Mumbai this season, the right-handed batter scored 95 runs in four innings, including 57 runs against Rest of India in the Irani Cup. Iyer's inconsistent batting form forced KKR to release him from the squad before the mage auction. 

Shreyas Iyer scored 233 runs

After scoring 142 runs against Maharastra in his previous Ranji Trophy match, Iyer was absent against Tripura due to his shoulder injury. Returning to the team, Iyer now scored 233 runs off 228 balls against Odisha with the help of 24 fours and nine sixes. 

Iyer had a 354-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Siddesh Lad, who scored 169 not out off 337 balls with 17 fours. Their batting powered Mumbai to score 602/4 before captain Ajinkya Rahane declared the innings. Rahane disappointed the innings with a golden duck. 

Apart from Lad and Iyer, the KKR cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi also shined against Odisha, as the opener scored 92 runs in 124 balls with 13 fours and three sixes. 

In reply, Odisha scored 146/5 at the stumps of the second day. They are trailing by 456 runs. 

Iyer played two Tests during England tour of India this year

Apart from 62 ODIs, Iyer has played 51 T20Is and 14 Tests for India. His last T20I was in December 2023 during the Bengaluru T20I against Australia. 

Iyer played his last Test in February during the home five-match Test series against England. Iyer featured in the first two Tests of the series, where he scored 13, 35, 29, and 27 runs, respectively. 

The 2025 IPL edition has given glimpses of intense and wholesome cricketing action through the medium of team retentions. All ten robust sides have released the names of their promising players who will take the lead in the upcoming 2025 edition.

With some amusing releases and a colossal purse of over Rs. 120 Crores across the retention and auction process, this edition of the team's creation would go wild and intriguing. Based on some shocking releases by the franchises, here are the top five probable Indian players whose teams would be eager to break the bank to acquire their talent in the 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer has helped the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, successfully earn their third IPL title after a colossal ten years. But, his release from the Knight Riders has been a surprise for many cricket fanatics, keeping in mind his cornerstone role in the team's memorable 2024 run. Many speculate about his increased retention asking, which led to his unexpected release.

But, amongst the teams, a few have taken significant steps in the retention process to buy him for an enormous amount and have the impeccable batter and captain to their respective franchises, making him one of the most expensive Indian players in the mega-auctions.

KL Rahul

KL Rahul and Lucknow Supergiants' love-and-hate relationship started ever since the controversial on-camera animated conversation between him and their owner, Sanjiv Goenka. The sight was captured on tape, and netizens predicted Rahul's departure from the franchise, where he led the team to two consecutive playoffs.

Rahul has been entering the auctions since 2018, which makes him a hot pick for being one of the most expensive Indian players in the upcoming mega auctions. 

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant's absence from the retention list was the most shocking, given that he was the captain of Delhi Capitals and had a long association with the team for eight years. He also returned to professional cricket following a horrible vehicle accident with the Delhi Capitals (DC).

Pant was rumoured to join the new team ahead of IPL 2025, and the same looks possible with him featuring in the auction. With a handful of teams eager to look for a viable wicketkeeper batter option, Pant can also play the role of a captain, leading him to earn some big bucks in the upcoming mega auctions. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top-5 probable most expensive Foreign players in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh, a fiery pacer, was a significant Punjab Kings' IPL 2024 squad member. He debuted for the team in 2019 and has since represented India. He was a squad member until 2024, and his participation in the team in the upcoming season is uncertain because the team released him.

Not to mention his crucial part in India's victorious T20 World Cup as the joint top wicket-taker. Though many were surprised to hear the news of his release, Punjab Kings received a massive payout of Rs 110.5 crore and four Right-to-Match (RTM) cards, giving him a strong contender for the team to avail himself of his lethal speed skill.

Mohammed Siraj

Pacer Mohammed Siraj's release surprised many because he has often voiced his wish to remain with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The franchise kept only three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. As it implies, the prominent loyal fan-base side will have the option to retain him, thanks to their available three RTM cards.

Siraj has risen in prominence in the Indian team's red and white ball formats performance. It is no surprise that Siraj was the cause of breaking the bank for several franchises and could return to his old franchise; only time will tell. 

Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting has opened up his thoughts on the recent IPL retention. He also revealed the names of the players, which surprised him for non-retentions. 

The IPL retention deadline has seen many surprise exclusions. However, many of those were expected. Some of the teams have even excluded their top names, which will force them to set a new culture in the team.   

Former Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting is now working with Punjab Kings, who have retained only two uncapped players. While it wasn’t a shocking retention theory for the team, as they haven’t played the IPL playoffs for the last 10 seasons, they will play a big role in the upcoming mega auction with the remaining purse of INR 110.50 crore. 

SEE ALSO: Agartala likely to be KKR's second home venue for IPL 2025

It was a bit surprising: Ricky Ponting

Talking about the IPL retentions, Ponting is surprised with Delhi Capitals, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants. 

Ponting said, according to Indian Express, “I’m a bit surprised with some of the non-Indian retentions if you like, with both Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant being available in the auctions. It was a bit surprising, even KL Rahul to a certain degree. It seems like individuals or franchises are busy looking to move in different directions to some of their players.” 

Shreyas Iyer was the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the IPL 2024 trophy. On the other hand, since the IPL 2016 auction success, it was the first time that Delhi Capitals released their latest captain Rishabh Pant. As Ponting was the recent head coach of Delhi Capitals, he is very surprised by Pant’s exclusion. 

In the meantime, KL Rahul was the captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Under his leadership, LSG qualified for the playoffs in their first two seasons (2022 and 2023), where Krunal Pandya played the stand-in captain role in the 2023 edition during Rahul’s absence in the almost second half of the season.

In the IPL 2024, LSG failed to reach the playoffs as they finished in the seventh position. Although they had the same points as the fourth-placed team, LSG’s net run rate was very low. 

Ponting about IPL retention and auction

Ponting also opened up about why IPL retention and auctions make the game more exciting.    

Ponting said, “This is where it gets exciting. You’ve got to understand who your number one target is and how much money you are willing to pay for them. That’s such a big part of it (IPL), of getting the auction right strategy-wise. And then handing it over to us, as a group of coaches.”

As all 10 franchises gear up to lock horns in the upcoming mega auction in Riyadh later this month, most of their quest will be centered around looking for a new captain. The Indian wicketkeepers featuring the likes of Rishab Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer will also be in contention in this year’s mega auction race. 

As many as four IPL franchises have released their respective captains ahead of the grand Riyadh auction. Faf has been released by RCB, KL Rahul released by LSG, Pant released by DC, and Iyer released by the defending champions KKR to name a few. With sweeping changes expected across the horizon, we highlight some common problems the franchises are expected to encounter in this forthcoming auction. 

Common headaches for all franchises ahead of the IPL auction

As we have now learnt, teams have expressed their desire to let go of their captains. The exit of the past skippers will undoubtedly leave a power vacuum. KKR, RCB, LSG, and DC will be without their former captains who performed remarkably well for them over the years. The gap can also result in decreased performance and impact on the field as well as off-the-field relationships between the players and the coaching staff. In other words, with new talent onboard, success may not always be guaranteed as the players and the management need to starch from scratch while forging new relations. 

Besides, the departure of other veteran players like Pant or Iyer can leave the team vulnerable on the biggest of stages. Iyer, who was the winning captain of KRR last year comes with a lot of experience and the franchise could have certainly benefitted from him once again in the next season. However, the arrival of a fresh captain can potentially change the dynamics and the composure of the KKR team for the worse. 

While some teams are on the lookout for fresh talent to lead their side, others are also gearing up to find match-winners in the form of wicket-keepers such as Rishab Pant and KL Rahul.  The franchises will have a lot of tough decisions to make as we fast approach the mega auction so don't be surprised if they make any move out of the ordinary.  

Veteran India batter Shreyas Iyer, who has been out of the national team recently, scored his first First-Class century in three years while playing for Mumbai in the second-round Ranji Trophy match against Maharashtra on Saturday. However, Iyer came in the middle at number five after Mumbai lost their captain Ajinkya Rahane very early. Along with young opener Ayush Mhatre, Iyer helped Mumbai post Maharashtra’s first-innings total, forging a crucial 200-run stand with Mhatre on Day 2. The partnership helped Mumbai go past the 300-run mark, setting a solid platform for the team as well.

BCCI excluded Shreyas Iyer from central contracts

While Mhatre got out for a well-made 176, Iyer scored his hundred off 131 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes as well. The innings marked the end of his century drought for Iyer, who had been out of the Indian Test side since long. His last first-class hundred came for India against New Zealand in November 2021 during the Kanpur Test as well. During this knock, Iyer also crossed the milestone of 6,000 First-Class runs as well.

Shreyas Iyer 100 runs in 131 balls (9x4, 3x6) Mumbai 330/4 #MUMvMAH #RanjiTrophy #Elite Scorecard:https://t.co/l7QWZwMQUU

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 19, 2024

SEE ALSO: India vs New Zealand: Rishabh Pant to not keep wickets on Day 3 of Bengaluru Test

Shreyas Iyer makes a comeback

The hundred came as a much-needed boost for Shreyas Iyer, who has struggled with form recently in the domestic season. In the Duleep Trophy, he managed only 154 runs across six innings as well, with two fifties and two ducks as well. In the Irani Cup, playing for Mumbai, Iyer’s performances remained poor too, smashing 57 and 8 across two innings as well. He also registered another duck in Mumbai’s opening Ranji Trophy match last week against Baroda as well.

Shreyas Iyer, alongside wicket-keeper-batter Ishan Kishan, was excluded from the BCCI Central Contracts list earlier in 2024 as well. This also came after both of them were dropped to have skipped domestic matches as well. Iyer gave back and groin pain as the reason for him not playing in Ranji games.

However, Shreyas Iyer’s century in the Ranji Trophy will give him more confidence as he looks to revive his domestic and international career as well.

The BCCI selection committee has announced India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting July 27. Veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are back for the three ODIs, along with KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who missed the recent T20 World Cup.

India is gearing up for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, and the inclusion of experienced players like Rohit and Virat highlights their intent. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav will take over as the new T20I captain after Rohit Sharma decided to retire from the format following India’s T20 World Cup victory last month.

Shubman Gill will serve as the vice-captain for both formats. In ODIs he will support Rohit Sharma, while in T20Is he will assist Suryakumar Yadav. Hardik Pandya will play as part of the T20I squad, focusing solely on his role as a player.

In addition Riyan Parag, who scored seven half-centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Harshit Rana a speedy bowler from Delhi are the two new additions to the ODI squad. Rishabh Pant is back in the ODI team for the first time since his car accident. Jasprit Bumrah has been given a break.

India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka tour: 

Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

India vs Sri Lanka schedule

The high-voltage final clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ended with a complete dominating performance by KKR, who won the contest by 8 wickets. This victory marked KKR’s third overall title in the tournament’s history.

KKR Bowlers Keep SRH Batters at Bay

Opting to bat first, SRH struggled to find their footing against a relentless KKR bowling attack. Mitchell Starc set the tone early with a brilliant spell, taking 2 wickets for just 14 runs in his 3 overs. His early breakthroughs put SRH on the back foot right from the start.

See Also: Fans call Starc a big match player after his spell in IPL final

Despite the early setbacks, Pat Cummins tried to anchor the SRH innings with a resilient 24 off 19 balls, including 2 fours and a six. Aiden Markram also chipped in with 20 runs off 23 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen managed to add 16 runs off 17 balls. However, these efforts were not enough to build a competitive total.

Bowling Excellence by KKR

Mitchell Starc’s impactful spell was supported by disciplined bowling from Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana. Andre Russell was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in 2.3 overs. Their combined effort ensured that SRH could only manage a modest total.

SRH’s Struggle to Build Partnerships

The SRH batting line-up couldn’t build significant partnerships, which was crucial for posting a challenging total. The lack of momentum and continuous fall of wickets kept SRH from gaining any foothold in the match.

Varun Chakravarthy’s Contribution

Varun Chakravarthy also played a crucial role in KKR’s bowling attack, taking 1 wicket for just 9 runs in his 2 overs. His economical bowling further tightened the noose around the SRH batsmen.

KKR’s Commanding Chase

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, KKR’s innings was spearheaded by a blistering half-century from Venkatesh Iyer. His aggressive knock of 52 runs off 26 balls, studded with 4 fours and 3 sixes, ensured KKR’s dominance and a quick victory.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a solid start to the chase, scoring 39 runs off 32 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes. His performance set the foundation for an easy chase.

Fan Reactions

Fans erupted in praise for KKR’s dominant performance. Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulatory messages and celebrations. Tweets, posts, and comments highlighted the excitement and satisfaction among the KKR supporters.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 8 wickets in the showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This victory added another trophy to KKR’s cabinet and highlighted their dominance in the IPL 2024 season.

Chasing a modest target of 114 runs, the Shreyas Iyer-led side delivered a commanding performance, clinching victory in just 10.3 overs. The match showcased KKR’s balanced and powerful bowling and batting gameplay.

First Innings Highlights

SRH’s batting lineup, which had been formidable throughout the season, faltered spectacularly in the final. They were bowled out for just 113 runs in 18.3 overs, unable to build any substantial partnerships.

See Also: Has Starc delivered the ball of IPL 2024? Have a look!

Andre Russell was the star with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 19 runs. His aggressive and precise bowling dismantled the SRH middle order, preventing them from gaining momentum.

Mitchell Starc’s Performance

Mitchell Starc set the tone early with his lethal deliveries. He struck in the first over, removing Abhishek Sharma with a delivery that nipped away sharply to hit the off-stump. Starc finished with impressive figures of 2 for 14, showcasing his skill and justifying his hefty price tag.

Harshit Rana effectively supported the main bowlers, taking 2 crucial wickets for 24 runs. His ability to bowl in the right areas and extract movement off the pitch was instrumental in keeping the SRH batters in check.

SRH’s Struggle

The SRH batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of KKR’s disciplined bowling. Aiden Markram and Nitish Kumar Reddy tried to counter-attack but failed to convert their starts into significant scores. Pat Cummins’ brief resistance, scoring 24 runs, was the only highlight in an otherwise disappointing innings for SRH.

KKR’s Chase

KKR’s chase began steadily, with 5 runs from the opening over. However, they suffered a setback in the second over when opener Sunil Narine was caught by Shabaz off a delivery from Pat Cummins after hitting a maximum. Narine managed to score six runs from just two deliveries before his dismissal.

The Iyer-Gurbaz Partnership

Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz forged a formidable partnership in the middle, amassing 91 runs off just 45 balls. Gurbaz played a supportive role, scoring 39 runs from 32 deliveries, before falling to Cummins.

Venkatesh Iyer’s aggressive and calculated approach saw him reach his fifty in just 24 balls. His powerful hitting and smart shot selection ensured that KKR stayed ahead of the required run rate.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer joined the chase with only 12 runs required off 67 balls. He opened his account with a boundary and guided the team to victory, displaying calm and decisive leadership.