Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to Play Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches for Mumbai

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube have confirmed their availability for two Vijay Hazare Trophy games for the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The matches are scheduled for January 6 and 8. Mumbai’s 50-over campaign kicks off in Jaipur on December 24, with the first match against Sikkim. According to reports, Suryakumar and Dube will participate in the matches against Himachal Pradesh on January 6 and Punjab on January 8.
An MCA official mentioned, “Surya and Dube have informed us that they will be playing two Vijay Hazare Trophy games on January 6th and 8th. Their names will be added to the Mumbai squad. As for Rohit Sharma, he will be playing two league games for now.”
All players from India’s recent T20I series win against South Africa have been instructed to play a minimum of two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The BCCI has conveyed this directive to its contracted players, emphasizing increased participation in domestic cricket.
Ajit Agarkar, the selection committee chair, previously highlighted the significance of international players participating in domestic tournaments whenever possible. He stated, “I think we made it clear a year or a couple of years back that whenever players are available, they should be playing domestic cricket. I mean, that’s the only way you’ll keep yourself sharp and playing cricket, if you’ve got a long enough break.”
The Indian T20I team will enjoy a brief break before assembling in Nagpur for a series of five T20Is against New Zealand starting on January 21. This series will serve as their final preparation before the T20 World Cup, where India will defend their title against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7.
Meanwhile, Rohit and Mumbai captain Shardul are set to arrive in Jaipur on Monday for a practice session ahead of their initial two matches against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26, both to be held in Jaipur.