Suryansh Shedge included in Mumbai squad after ODI selection buzz for New Zealand tour

Suryansh Shedge was named in Mumbai’s 16-member squad for their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match against Himachal Pradesh in Bilaspur, scheduled from October 18 to 21, after drawing attention for a possible ODI call-up for India’s tour of New Zealand. The 23-year-old all-rounder earned the selection into Mumbai’s side following notable performances for India A against Australia A.

Shedge picked up four wickets for 40 runs in the opening match of the unofficial ODI series against Australia A and scored 66 off 60 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, in the final game to help India A secure a consolation victory. He has already made three T20I appearances for India during the tour of England and recently returned to competitive cricket after recovering from a hamstring injury. Reports note his bowling has improved considerably, adding another dimension to his game as he pushes for higher honours.

According to a PTI report, a BCCI source indicated Shedge has a strong chance of making the ODI squad for the New Zealand tour, with selectors weighing workload management. "Shedge has a very high chance of making it to the ODI squad simply because Nitish Kumar Reddy will have an important role to play in the Test series as the fourth seamer and a floater in the lower order. Hence, Reddy won't play all the ODIs as he has to prepare for the red-ball games," the source told PTI. India are scheduled to play five T20Is and five ODIs against New Zealand before the two teams begin their Test assignment.

Selectors are considering a larger ODI squad to cope with the tight turnaround between the limited-overs leg and the red-ball series, and the ODI squad announcement has been delayed. Hardik Pandya’s continued absence from competitive cricket due to injuries has increased the emphasis on finding all-round options. Nitish Kumar Reddy remains another option for the limited-overs side, but his potential involvement in the Test series could restrict his availability for all five ODIs.

Mumbai began their Ranji Trophy campaign with a victory over Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium, winning that match by an innings and 155 runs. The team will travel to Bilaspur to face Himachal Pradesh in their next Elite Group D fixture. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has also been named in the 16-member squad.

Mumbai will be without vice-captain Ayush Mhatre, who is sidelined by a right hamstring injury, and India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has joined the India A squad for the three-match unofficial Test series in New Zealand. In their absence, Raghuvanshi and Divyaansh Saxena are likely to open the innings, although Mumbai’s final combination will be determined closer to the match. Former captain Shardul Thakur will also miss the fixture as he continues his recovery after suffering a blow to his hand during pre-season training.

Mumbai’s 16-member squad for the match against Himachal Pradesh is: Siddesh Lad (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Suryansh Shedge, Divyaansh Saxena, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Suved Parkar, Akash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Onkar Tarmale.

For now, Shedge will aim to build on his recent form in the Ranji Trophy, and a strong showing against Himachal Pradesh could further strengthen his credentials as he waits to see whether he earns a place in India’s plans for the New Zealand tour; his selection for the ODI squad has not yet been confirmed.