The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has designated Sarfaraz Khan as the captain for the Mumbai team in the upcoming All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. With Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw currently occupied with their commitments in England, Sarfaraz, who has experience as a Test batsman, steps up to lead the team. His brother, Musheer Khan, is also included in the 17-member squad.
The selection of the team was overseen by the senior selection committee, chaired by Sanjay Patil. Among the selected players are opener Akhil Herwadkar and middle-order batsman Siddhesh Lad, who have previously represented Chhattisgarh and Goa, respectively. The team will be missing key players Rahane, who captained them to their 42nd Ranji Trophy victory last season, Prithvi Shaw, and left-arm spinner Shams Mulani.
Sarfaraz's leadership role is considered a fitting choice due to his seniority and experience. The team has already completed a two-week training camp and participated in practice matches held in Alur, near Bangalore. It is anticipated that Rahane will rejoin the team and resume his captaincy duties for the Irani Cup on October 1. Meanwhile, the start of the inaugural Dr. HD Kanga Cricket League has been delayed due to adverse weather and unplayable conditions.
In an interview with Mid-Day, former India cricketer and MCA's Senior Selection Committee chairman Sanjay Patil commented that while Rahane would typically be the captain if available, Sarfaraz is currently the most senior and experienced player to take on the role in his absence.
The Mumbai squad is composed of the following players: Sarfaraz Khan (Captain), Divyansh Saxena, Amogh Bhatkal, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddhesh Lad, Musheer Khan, Nutan Goel, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore, Prasad Pawar, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Himanshu Singh, Dhanit Raut, Sylvester Dsouza, Junaid Khan, and Harsh Tanna.
The Buchi Babu Tournament is a prestigious invitational cricket tournament in India, named after the famous cricket enthusiast and patron, Buchi Babu Naidu. It serves as a platform for talented cricketers from across the country to showcase their skills and gain recognition. Historically, the tournament has been a stepping stone for many players to achieve greater heights in their cricketing careers.
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