An expanding domestic calendar has brought a new set of opponents into Mumbai’s path over the years. After facing Puducherry and Meghalaya for the first time last season, the 42-times champion will encounter another unfamiliar opponent when it takes on Chandigarh in the opening match of the 92nd Ranji Trophy at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Playing at its spiritual home, Mumbai will look to begin its pursuit of a record-extending 43rd title with a bonus-point victory. While the host will be without injured Shardul Thakur, who has fractured his right middle finger, it has enough depth and experience to start the season on a positive note.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s availability for the opener is a significant boost before the India Test opener heads to New Zealand for a rigorous tour. His presence adds firepower to a batting line-up that also features Sarfaraz Khan and his younger brother, Musheer, both of whom will be eager to begin the season among the runs.
Ayush Mhatre, meanwhile, will be keen to justify his elevation as vice-captain. The youngster is being groomed for a leadership role alongside Siddhesh Lad, who takes charge as Mumbai’s full-time captain.
With Thakur unavailable, Tushar Deshpande will spearhead the pace attack, while spin-bowling all-rounders Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian will look to make an early impression. The trio has been knocking on the door of national selection and another productive outing could strengthen their case.
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There is an intriguing subplot, too. When Lad first captained Mumbai in the 2018-19 season, Vinayak Samant was the team’s head coach. Samant, appointed Chandigarh coach only three days before the opener, now returns to the Wankhede in the opposition dugout.
Chandigarh captain Manan Vohra and Samant will have their work cut out against a Mumbai side accustomed to the demands of the venue and the weight of its history. With a relatively inexperienced squad, the visitors will need to withstand the early pressure and find a way to challenge the hosts.
For Mumbai, the immediate task is simpler: make home advantage count and begin the long road to another title in emphatic fashion.
Published on Oct 10, 2026
