Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy campaign has suffered a major setback ahead of their quarter-final clash against Karnataka, with middle-order mainstay Sarfaraz Khan hospitalised due to a viral fever.
The record 41-time Ranji Trophy champions could be forced to take the field without Sarfaraz in the must-win encounter at the BKC Ground in Mumbai. The 28-year-old was admitted to hospital just days before the knockout fixture, putting his availability in serious doubt.
Sarfaraz Khan doubtful for Ranji Trophy quarter-final
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Sarfaraz, who last featured for India during the home Test series against New Zealand in 2024, has been a key figure in Mumbai’s batting line-up this season. The right-hander has amassed 429 runs at an average of 53.63 in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and was expected to play a crucial role in the quarter-final.
While the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is yet to officially confirm that Sarfaraz has been ruled out, sources suggest the team is unlikely to risk his health.
Mumbai will, however, take heart from the return of captain Shardul Thakur and India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom are available for selection. Siddhesh Lad has also been in imperious form, scoring four consecutive centuries and emerging as the backbone of Mumbai’s batting this season.
Karnataka, meanwhile, arrive with a formidable line-up featuring Test opener KL Rahul and will be led by Devdutt Padikkal, who recently produced a match-winning run chase against Punjab to keep Karnataka’s season alive.
Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy quarter-final vs Karnataka
Shardul Thakur (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Siddhesh Lad, Akhil Herwadkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Sairaj Patil, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Avasthi, Onkar Tarmale, Divyansh Saxena, Suryansh Shedge.
