India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to join the Mumbai squad ahead of their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Goa on December 31, confirmed Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar. The 24-year-old left-hander missed Mumbai’s opening two matches while recovering from acute gastroenteritis but is now ready to return to competitive cricket.

Jaiswal to replace Rohit Sharma in Mumbai lineup

Speaking to IANS, Khanvilkar confirmed that Jaiswal will make his Mumbai debut in the tournament on New Year’s Eve, replacing veteran India opener Rohit Sharma, who opened the batting in the first two matches.

“Yashaswi will play in the game against Goa, which is the one happening on December 31. He will be joining the team either on 29th evening or 30th morning,” Khanvilkar said.

Jaiswal, who turns 24 on Sunday, was hospitalized earlier this month with stomach cramps following Mumbai’s final Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League fixture against Rajasthan. Tests confirmed acute gastroenteritis, and doctors advised a week’s rest to ensure full recovery.

Availability depends on India ODI squad selection

Jaiswal is expected to feature in multiple matches for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, though his availability will depend on India’s squad selection for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara.

The left-hander is coming off a sensational ODI performance against South Africa, where he smashed 116 not out—his maiden ODI century—in the series decider at Visakhapatnam. He opened the innings with Rohit Sharma in that match and played a pivotal role in India’s nine-wicket victory.

Given his recent form and importance to India’s white-ball setup, Jaiswal is a strong contender for selection in the ODI squad. If picked, he may play only one or two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Mumbai before linking up with the national team.

Mumbai enjoying strong start to Vijay Hazare campaign

Mumbai, led by India seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, has made an excellent start to their 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign. They defeated Sikkim by eight wickets in their opening Elite Group C clash before registering a convincing 51-run win over Uttarakhand.

Mumbai will next face Chhattisgarh in the third round of the competition at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground on Monday, December 30, before Jaiswal’s anticipated debut against Goa at the Anantam Ground on December 31.

With Jaiswal set to bolster the batting lineup and Shardul Thakur leading a balanced side, Mumbai will be aiming to continue their winning momentum as they target the Vijay Hazare Trophy title.