Ranji Trophy 2025-26, Round 5 preview: Mumbai looks to continue winning momentum against tottering Pondicherry
A win with a bonus point against Himachal Pradesh in the previous game has brought Mumbai back on track in the Ranji Trophy.
As it gears up for its Group D fixture against Pondicherry, beginning Sunday, the domestic giant will have a major absence: Ajinkya Rahane.
Rahane, who had a couple of forgettable outings after scoring a 159 against Chhattisgarh, is believed to have informed the team management about his unavailability for the game.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who had to sit out in the last two games, could replace him, while Ayush Mhatre and Musheer Khan could be the preferred choices for the opening slots.
Despite Musheer and Siddhesh Lad being among runs, Mumbai’s top order, including Sarfaraz Khan, has failed to get going. And as the team returns to the iconic Wankhede Stadium after a year and a half, it will hope to plug the gaps.
In a major boost to Mumbai’s bowling, off-spinner Tanush Kotian and seamer Mohit Awasthi will be available for selection. While Kotian missed the last three games due to India-A commitments, Awasthi will return to action after a long injury lay-off.
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This season, Mumbai has played either Sylvester D’Souza or Irfan Umair as the third seamer, along with captain Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande.
However, neither of them could impress, and with Awasthi back in the scheme of things, the team management could prefer him as the third fast bowler.
Pondicherry, on the other hand, comes on the back of a defeat against Chhattisgarh and is reeling – second from bottom – in the points table.
With quite a few Mumbai-based cricketers in its ranks, including captain Sagar Udeshi and Aman Khan, the team will bank on their experience.
Captain Udeshi expects a ‘good contest’ and hopes that his players will rise to the occasion.
Published on Nov 15, 2025
