India's star Test and ODI opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, is poised to make a competitive return to cricket after a health scare. He is scheduled to join the Mumbai team in Jaipur for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 29.
Jaiswal's Road to Recovery
The young batter was hospitalised in Pune after suffering from acute gastroenteritis. This illness struck him following Mumbai's final Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy match against Rajasthan. His recovery has been positive, paving the way for his inclusion in the 50-over domestic tournament.
Jaiswal is expected to be available for Mumbai's crucial Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter against Chhattisgarh on December 29. His presence will be a significant boost for the team as they aim to progress in the tournament.
Mumbai's Star-Studded Lineup
The Mumbai team is set to become a powerhouse in the coming weeks. Alongside Jaiswal, India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav and explosive all-rounder Shivam Dube will also represent the side. They are slated to play in the league-stage matches in Jaipur on January 6 and 8.
This infusion of international talent highlights the importance Mumbai Cricket Association places on the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Wankhede Stadium's Hiatus and Special Exception
In other cricket news, Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium has entered a period of quiet. The final of the Harris Shield (Under-16) tournament, which concluded on Thursday, was the last competitive match at the venue for a while.
This is in accordance with ICC guidelines, which mandate a 30-day gap before the first match of a World Cup. The stadium will next host the opening game of the 2026 T20 World Cup between hosts India and the USA on February 7.
However, an exception has been made for women's cricket. The Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women's team will conduct a nets session at the Wankhede on January 2 from 4 pm to 7 pm. This practice is part of their preparations for the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL).
A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed this historic session, stating it will be the first time a WPL team practises at the Wankhede Stadium. RCB will face defending champions Mumbai Indians in the WPL opener on January 9.
