3 forgotten India players who can make a comeback through SMAT performances
Venkatesh Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav and Krunal Pandya are among the notable names looking to press their case for an India recall through the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
Mumbai's senior selection committee, headed by Rajesh Pawar, named Suryakumar Yadav as captain of the Mumbai side for SMAT 2026-27, a decision confirmed on November 9, 2026. The right-hander was dropped from India's T20I squad in June 2026 following a dip in form, and the captaincy subsequently moved to Shreyas Iyer. Suryakumar had previously led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title, making his subsequent omission from the national side a notable development.
Mumbai open their Elite group fixtures against Hyderabad on November 14 at the Jadavpur University Campus 2nd Ground, Kolkata. Suryakumar was left out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad, with Siddhesh Lad leading that side through four consecutive wins. Mumbai have won the SMAT title twice before, in 2022-23 and 2024-25.
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