Rahane will play for Mumbai under Prithvi Shaw’s captaincy in Ranji in 2021-22

Despite the presence of India’s Test batsman Ajinkya Rahane in the roster, Mumbai’s selectors, led by former Indian pacer Salil Ankola, chose opener Prithvi Shaw as the team’s captain for the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy season, which begins on January 17. When the Ranji Trophy was originally scheduled to begin on January 13, it was postponed due to a covid surge. Shaw was named captain of the team.

According to TOI, Ankola said, “Prithvi is only 22 years old. We’re taking a glimpse into the future. We’re thinking about constructing the side. There are a few players, such as Musheer Khan, who have performed admirably for the Mumbai Under-19 team but have been overlooked for selection. We’re hoping he’ll join us in the side as well. They’re fantastic players. We have a boatload of bench strength. Our Under-19 team has performed admirably. It’s a strong group. We must consider the future. It’s a shame we couldn’t choose a few more players who were on my radar, but we can only choose 21. For the time being, let’s hope for the best. Tushar Deshpande (Pacer) was unable to participate owing to injury. We want him to be completely functional, and allow him to rest.”

The Ranji Trophy, which was set to begin on January 13 but had to be postponed due to an increase in covid cases, will now begin on February 17. The team, which has been practicing at the Wankhede Stadium for the past week and played a practise game there on Tuesday, will arrive in Ahmedabad on February 10 and quarantine there.