The Mumbai cricket team’s dismal performance during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season has drawn sharp criticism from selectors and fans alike, particularly targeting the attitude of some of its senior players. Following their semifinal exit from the tournament, chief selector Sanjay Patil has publicly called out players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav for their perceived lack of dedication and commitment during matches.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously mandated senior players to participate in state-level competitions to strengthen the domestic circuit. Following India’s disappointing performance during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, this move was seen as necessary to reinvigorate the passion and competitive spirit prevalent among homegrown players.
Praising the new policy, Patil noted, “Firstly, I congratulate Ajit Agarkar (chief national selector), Jay Shah (former BCCI secretary), and all the BCCI authorities who forced all the big cricketers to represent their respective state teams. Every cricketer owes most of his achievements to his own state,” as reported by Sportstar. Yet, he expressed his disappointment for how these players conducted themselves during the competition.
Throughout the tournament, numerous international stars returned to their domestic roots, but for Patil, it felt like some were merely fulfilling obligations rather than playing with genuine intent. “But whenever all the internationals were made to play domestic cricket, they merely participated in these games instead of being involved. The legacy of Mumbai cricket – especially when itcomes to international stars' involvement – was not at all seen and it needs to be fixed,” he lamented.
Mumbai faced stark disillusionment this season when they were eliminated by Vidarbha after losing key matches to teams like Jammu & Kashmir. Much of the scrutiny fell on the performance of senior players, particularly with the late addition of T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube, who came on board for the knockout stages. Their arrival, rather than bolstering the team, seemed to have little impact.
Reflecting on the lackadaisical performances of veteran players, Patil commented, “[I am] very upset with the way they played [in the Ranji Trophy]. It was something that's not expected from Test players and the so-called Indian cricketers.” He noted the absence of grit and determination which had historically characterized Mumbai’s approach to the game.
One specific incident highlighted by Patil was the contrasting hunger and desire displayed by the Vidarbha team during the semifinals. “That was the biggest difference between Vidarbha and Mumbai. The greed and grit to win was never seen," he explained, noting how the seniors failed to lead by example.
Patil did not shy away from criticizing the mindset of those players who appeared more focused on their off-field personas rather than their contributions on the pitch. He stated, “If you are joining the team and are happy only to be signing autographs, it speaks volumes about you.” Such sentiments raise concerns about the future direction of Mumbai cricket, which has traditionally been a nurturing ground for talent.
With the Ranji Trophy representing one of the most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments, the stakes are high for both seasoned players and rising stars. Patil has called for closer monitoring of senior players by the BCCI and national selectors, urging them to hold these big players accountable for their performances when playing for their home states.
His appeal reflects a desire not just to revive Mumbai’s proud cricketing legacy, but also to instill values of commitment and effort among both older and younger generations of players.
Meanwhile, the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 witnessed Kerala reach the final for the first time, squaring off against Vidarbha. This narrative provides hope and excitement, showcasing the potential shift of power within Indian domestic cricket. The mutual respect and intensity established by teams like Vidarbha could soon serve as a cautionary tale against complacency for historically successful powerhouses like Mumbai.
While the critiques from Patil highlight immediate concerns, they also serve as stronger reminders for all players—a call to honor their commitments to their states and fans alike. For Mumbai cricket to reclaim its tarnished crown, dedication and resilience must again become the hallmarks of its players as they take to the field.