Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube to skip Ranji Trophy: Here's why
What's the story
India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to allow him to skip the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Pondicherry. The request comes as part of his preparations for white-ball cricket. The MCA has accepted his request, understanding that he wants to focus on this format, with the ICC T20 World Cup approaching.
Dual exemption
Dube to miss Ranji Trophy as well
Along with Yadav, the MCA has also accepted Shivam Dube's request to skip the next Ranji Trophy match. Dube will be focusing on preparing for the impending T20I series against South Africa. An MCA source confirmed Yadav's decision, stating, "Yadav has informed us that he won't be available and we have accepted his request as we feel that with the T20 World Cup around the corner, he should concentrate more on it."
Upcoming participation
Yadav assures availability for SMAT and VHT
The MCA source also added that Yadav has assured his availability for the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. He is also committed to future domestic tournaments even as he focuses on international white-ball cricket in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. The next Ranji Trophy match will see Tanush Kotian and Mohit Awasthi representing Mumbai, as per the source.
Match schedule
India will host SA in a five-match T20I series
India and South Africa are set to lock horns in the two-match Test series, starting November 14 in Kolkata. The two teams will then play a three-match ODI series, followed by five T20Is from December 9 to December 19, starting in Cuttack and concluding in Ahmedabad. This series follows the recent successful tour of Australia, where India beat their opponents 2-1.