**Shivam Dube to Miss Ranji Trophy Opener Due to Back Stiffness**
*By Rajdeep Saha | October 14, 2025, 11:35 pm*
Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube has been ruled out of his team’s first Ranji Trophy game against Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take place in Srinagar from Wednesday, due to back stiffness.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Dube had traveled with the Mumbai team but was forced to return to Mumbai after experiencing back stiffness, which worsened due to the cold weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir.
**Recovery Hopes**
A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association informed *The Indian Express* that Dube was advised by the team’s medical staff to take complete rest. He returned to Mumbai on Tuesday night. Despite missing the Ranji opener, the Mumbai team remains hopeful that Dube will recover in time to join the Indian T20 squad for their five-match series against Australia, starting October 23.
**Performance Highlights**
Shivam Dube’s all-round abilities will be a significant loss for Mumbai in the opener. He played a key role in India’s recent Asia Cup victory, known for his powerful hitting, especially sixes against spinners, making him a valuable lower-order batsman.
Although a regular member of the Indian T20 squad, Dube has also been an important part of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team over the past couple of seasons. Mumbai, which missed out on a knockout berth last season, will also welcome back middle-order batsman Musheer Khan for this campaign.
**Team Dynamics and Ranji Campaign**
Mumbai is placed in Elite Group D alongside Hyderabad, Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. The team traveled to Jammu & Kashmir a few days ago under the leadership of their new captain, Shardul Thakur.
The squad includes notable Indian players such as Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan, aiming to make a strong impact this Ranji season despite Dube’s temporary setback.
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