Shivam Dube Ruled Out of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Opener Due to Back Stiffness

Shivam Dube skipped Mumbai’s Ranji opener to prioritize fitness ahead of India’s T20I series against Australia.

India all-rounder Shivam Dube has been withdrawn from Mumbai’s squad for their Ranji Trophy opener against Jammu & Kashmir starting Wednesday after experiencing back stiffness. The development, reported by ESPNCricinfo on Tuesday, led to Dube returning home from Srinagar as a precautionary measure.

The decision reflects Dube’s significant role in India’s upcoming T20I plans, with the powerful all-rounder set to feature in the five-match series against Australia following the ODI leg concluding on October 23. Dube’s absence delays his much-anticipated return to first-class cricket, which will now only occur after the Australia tour.

Dube brings strong recent form into the international assignment, having impressed during India’s Asia Cup campaign where captain Suryakumar Yadav regularly utilized his bowling skills. The 30-year-old claimed five wickets in the tournament, including a tight three-over spell conceding just 23 runs in the final against Pakistan, complemented by a crucial 33-run cameo that helped secure the title chase of 147.

Mumbai’s squad sees several significant changes, including the welcome return of all-rounder Musheer Khan, who missed the previous season recovering from neck and collar bone injuries sustained in a road accident. Additionally, batter Sarfaraz Khan makes his comeback after missing the home series against West Indies due to a quadriceps injury.

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The domestic giants will be led by Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who takes over the captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane after the veteran batsman stepped down prior to the season. Rahane had been preparing extensively for the campaign since July, even carrying his kit during his broadcasting duties in England.

Mumbai, the 42-time champions who finished as runners-up last season, compete in Group D alongside Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, Delhi, Puducherry, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. The team will be particularly motivated for their opener after suffering a surprising five-wicket defeat to Jammu and Kashmir at the Bandra Kurla Complex Grounds in last year’s encounter.