Mumbai captain and Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur is facing the possibility of being ruled out for the remainder of the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy after picking up an injury during Mumbai’s Elite Group C clash against Maharashtra in Jaipur on Saturday, January 3.
Thakur was forced to leave the field after bowling 6.5 overs in the match, visibly limping as he made his way off. Although he later returned to bat, his contribution was limited to four runs off five deliveries as Mumbai suffered a heavy 128-run defeat. Following the match, Thakur underwent MRI scans to assess the extent of the injury, with the results expected to determine his availability for the rest of the tournament.
According to reports, the injury could potentially sideline Thakur for the remainder of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The development comes as a setback for Mumbai, given Thakur’s strong start to the season. He has picked up 11 wickets in his first four matches, but against Maharashtra, his workload was restricted and he finished wicketless as discomfort hampered his bowling rhythm.
Injury concerns have followed Thakur in the past as well, with previous fitness issues having kept him out of international action for India at different stages of his career. His latest setback could once again disrupt his momentum at the domestic level.
Despite the setback, Mumbai have enjoyed a solid campaign under Thakur’s leadership, registering four wins and just one loss from five matches to sit second on the Elite Group C points table. Should Thakur be officially ruled out, Mumbai will need to appoint a stand-in captain for the remainder of the tournament.
Mumbai are scheduled to face Himachal Pradesh in their next fixture in Jaipur on January 6, with Thakur’s availability remaining uncertain.
Also Read: BCCI asks KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman amid controversy over Bangladesh violence
