![Suryakumar Yadav to captain Mumbai in SMAT 2025-26 [Source: @cheeros_sarnaaz/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763698121427_Surya_SMAT.jpg?type=hq)
Suryakumar Yadav to captain Mumbai in SMAT 2025-26 [Source: @cheeros_sarnaaz/X.com]
Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead Mumbai in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the India vs. South Africa T20I series. As per a report from Express Sports, it has been learned that Yadav has expressed his availability to MCA to play the league games as a part of his preparation for the upcoming T20I series as well as the T20 World Cup 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav to lead Mumbai ahead of SA T20Is
With the South Africa T20I series beginning on December 9, Suryakumar Yadav's participation ahead of the fixtures is in doubt. For the unaware, Mumbai's 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy league games begin on November 26, and Suryakumar Yadav's participation in those games, starting from late November to early December, is a topic for debate.
Notably, Suryakumar Yadav comes in as an in-time replacement for Shreyas Iyer, who was initially named the captain of Mumbai. However, with Iyer ruled out due to injury, Suryakumar steps in to lead the side.
Notably, for the Ranji Trophy, Shardul Thakur has been leading the side for the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association)-operated team. Suryakumar Yadav last played for Mumbai against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals early this year, and since then, the 35-year-old has been busy with his national commitments as he skipped Ranji Trophy too.
Shivam Dube withdraws from SMAT 2025-26
In another development, Shivam Dube, who has also been a prolific part of the Mumbai team and is a dashing India all-rounder, has requested to not take part in SMAT 2025-26, and the MCA was aligned with his interests to conserve his preparation for the South Africa T20I series.
Notably, the five-match T20I series starts from December 9 and SMAT will serve as a great practice ground.
