Ranji Trophy 2024: Shreyas Iyer to play for Mumbai in semis
Mumbai’s strength has been significantly augmented as India’s middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is reportedly joining the squad for their Ranji Trophy semi-final encounter against Tamil Nadu. Iyer had been sidelined from the tournament, owing to recurrent back spasms. Notably, Mumbai advanced to the semi-finals on Tuesday, February 27, following a draw against Baroda. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side will now square off against Tamil Nadu in the semi-final, getting underway on March 2.
Iyer missed Mumbai’s last two Ranji Trophy fixtures due to back pain while batting. In addition, he participated in the first two Test matches between India and England in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, respectively, and made below-par scores of 35, 13, 27, and 29.
“Yes, Iyer has confirmed to the Mumbai Cricket Association that he is fit now and available for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy semi-final match,” a source told Times of India.
In the interim, Tamil Nadu’s lineup has been considerably bolstered by the return of India’s off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar and Sai Sudharsan for their Ranji semi-final clash against Mumbai. According to a report in Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to release Sundar from the Indian squad since the semi-final match will conclude on March 6 if it advances to the fifth day, and the fifth and final Test against England will only start on March 7 in Dharamshala. Sudharsan, on the other hand, was experiencing back spasms and the National Cricket Academy has given him clearance to resume playing, declaring him match-fit.
“He’s (Sai Sudharsan) started batting, and will undergo match simulation today at the NCA in Bangalore. He will join the Tamil Nadu team soon,” the source further revealed.
