As they get ready for the T20I series against South Africa, which starts on December 9 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Mumbai has exempted India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube from participating in the Ranji Trophy's next round.

Suryakumar has made himself eligible for all forthcoming limited-overs matches prior to the 2026 T20 World Cup and is concentrating on white-ball cricket, according to an Indian Express report.

Due to their absence from the Ranji Trophy, Suryakumar and Dube will next be seen in action on November 26 when Mumbai plays Railways in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“Yadav has informed MCA that he would not be available, and we have accepted his request, as we feel that with the T20 World Cup around the corner, he should concentrate more on it. He (Suryakumar) has informed us that he will be available for the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy. As far as Dube is concerned, there is an upcoming T20I series against South Africa, so that he can prepare for the same,” a source in the Mumbai Cricket Association said while speaking to The Indian Express.

India had last defeated Australia 2-1 in the T20I series that was played down under recently.

The second leg of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 will begin on January 22. India will take on South Africa in a five-match T20I series beginning December 9 in Cuttack and concluding on December 19 in Ahmedabad.

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will start on November 26, while the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be played from December 24.