Sachin Tendulkar Inspires Mumbai Ranji Team Ahead of Quarter-Final Clash

Sachin Tendulkar recently motivated the Mumbai Ranji team as they gear up for a crucial quarter-final match against Karnataka. With Mumbai finishing strong in the group stage, the team is looking to secure their 43rd Ranji Trophy title. Key players like Shardul Thakur and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to make significant contributions. The match will take place at the MCA-BKC Ground due to scheduling conflicts at Wankhede Stadium. Tendulkar's mentorship extends beyond the Ranji team, as he also engaged with the Indian Under-19 team ahead of their match against Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 21:40 IST

Tendulkar Motivates Mumbai Ranji Team

On Wednesday, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took time to inspire the Mumbai Ranji team as they prepare for their quarter-final match against Karnataka, set to commence on February 6 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Ground, BKC. A video posted by the Mumbai Cricket Association on Instagram showcased Tendulkar engaging with the players in their dressing room.

Mumbai's Strong Performance in Group Stage

This interaction comes at a pivotal time for the Mumbai team, who finished at the top of Elite Group D with four victories and three draws, entering the knockout stage with confidence. In contrast, Karnataka secured their quarter-final position following a nail-biting win over Punjab, setting the stage for a classic showdown between two of Indian domestic cricket's most storied teams.

Match Venue Change

Due to the unavailability of the iconic Wankhede Stadium, which will host T20 World Cup matches starting February 7, the match has been relocated to the MCA-BKC Ground.

Key Player Returns Boost Mumbai Squad

Mumbai will be captained by Shardul Thakur, an all-rounder for India, who is returning to the captaincy after recovering from an injury sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Thakur made his return as a bowler in Mumbai's last group match against Delhi, taking over from his close friend Siddhesh Lad, who had led the team in the previous drawn match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Joins the Squad

The inclusion of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal adds significant strength to Mumbai's batting lineup. Jaiswal recently made himself available for domestic matches after fulfilling international commitments, participating in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Jaiswal's Impressive First-Class Record

In first-class cricket, Jaiswal has been exceptional for Mumbai, amassing 1,086 runs in 11 matches with an impressive average of 60.33, which includes five centuries.

Chasing a Record Title

As they embark on their knockout journey, Mumbai aims to secure a record-extending 43rd Ranji Trophy title on their home ground.

Tendulkar's Mentorship for U-19 Team

Recently, Tendulkar also connected virtually with the Indian Under-19 team before their crucial match against Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 World Cup taking place in Zimbabwe and Namibia. India U19 triumphed over Pakistan U19 by 58 runs in that match, earning a spot in the semi-finals.

Mumbai Ranji Trophy Squad

The squad for the Mumbai Ranji Trophy includes: Shardul Thakur (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Musheer Khan, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz Khan, Aakash Anand (wicketkeeper), Hardik Tamore (wicketkeeper), Sairaj Patil, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Omkar Tarmale, Divyesh Saxena, and Suryansh Shedge.