Prithvi Shaw has returned to the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) after being dropped from the Ranji Trophy team. Shaw’s initial exclusion from the Ranji squad for Rounds 4 and 5 was reportedly due to concerns over his fitness and disciplinary issues, as cited by the selectors. However, the dynamic opener has now been named in Mumbai’s probables list for the SMAT, India's premier domestic T20 competition, which is set to begin on November 23.
Shaw’s inclusion will add experience and firepower to a Mumbai lineup that also boasts notable players like Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane, one of India’s seasoned batsmen, is expected to lead the Mumbai team in the tournament, bringing valuable leadership alongside his solid batting skills. Shaw’s return to T20 cricket marks his first appearance since IPL 2024, where he last represented the Delhi Capitals. Following the IPL, Shaw played county cricket for Northamptonshire in England, gaining experience in different conditions.
While Shaw’s inclusion is seen as a positive move, the absence of Tanush Kotian, a consistent all-round performer for Mumbai, has raised questions. Kotian’s strong performances recently earned him a spot in India A’s series against Australia, and his absence from the SMAT squad could be a notable gap for Mumbai’s lineup. The squad, however, still features key all-rounders like Shardul Thakur, known for his impactful performances with both bat and ball, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, a promising talent who showed his skills with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Other players rounding out the squad include Jay Bista, Ayush Mhatre, Shreeraj Gharat, Suryansh Shedge, and Siddesh Lad. With wicketkeepers Hardik Tamore and Aakash Anand, as well as all-round options like Shams Mulani and Akash Parkar, Mumbai’s lineup appears balanced with a mix of experience and youth.
Mumbai’s Probables for SMAT 2024:
Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Jay Bista, Shreeraj Gharat, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Ishan Mulchandani, Siddesh Lad, Hardik Tamore (WK), Aakash Anand (WK), Sairaj Patil, Akash Parkar, Shams Mulani, Himanshu Singh, Sagar Chhabria, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias, Yogesh Patil, Harsh Tanna, Irfan Umair, Vinayak Bhoir, Krutik Hanagavadi, Shashank Attarde, Juned Khan.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will give Shaw and his teammates an opportunity to showcase their skills in the T20 format, with hopes of securing Mumbai’s success in the tournament.
