Ranji Trophy 2026/27: Mumbai faces Himachal Pradesh challenge on unfamiliar territory

Mumbai opened its Ranji Trophy campaign with a bonus-point victory over Chandigarh. | Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini

Mumbai will look to extend its winning start to the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season when it faces Himachal Pradesh at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Sunday, having opened its campaign with a bonus-point victory over Chandigarh inside three days.

Himachal returns home after losing to Haryana, but familiar surroundings may offer little comfort. It has not played a first-class match at the picturesque venue in 25 years, and its relatively inexperienced bowling attack faces a formidable challenge.

Meanwhile, Mumbai will be without Ayush Mhatre, ruled out for four to six weeks with a right hamstring tear, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who leaves for India ‘A’s New Zealand tour ahead of the two-Test series.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Suryansh Shedge have joined the squad. Raghuvanshi, fresh from consecutive double centuries in the Under-23 Col. C. K. Nayudu Trophy, is likely to partner Divyaansh Saxena at the top. Shedge adds another option to a middle order featuring Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan and captain Siddhesh Lad.

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Mumbai’s bowling attack will be led by Tushar Deshpande, who claimed seven wickets, including a hat-trick in the first innings, against Chandigarh. With Shardul Thakur still unfit, Mohit Avasthi and Sylvester D’Souza will share the pace responsibilities, while experienced spinners Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani provide depth.

The surface is expected to assist seamers in the cooler morning conditions before becoming more favourable for batting under the afternoon sun. Himachal’s bowlers will need early breakthroughs to prevent Mumbai’s batters from settling in.

Captain Pukhraj Mann and the seasoned Nehal Wadhera will shoulder much of Himachal Pradesh’s batting responsibility as the host seeks a stronger showing. Akash Vasisth, meanwhile, will be high on confidence after scoring a century against Haryana.

Himachal, however, must now find a way to challenge a formidable Mumbai side on a home ground that feels almost new to its players.