Will Rohit Sharma Play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025?

The emerging updates suggest that India's ODI legend Rohit Sharma is keen to join Mumbai’s campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy once the ongoing series against South Africa. Although currently occupied with national duties, the veteran Indian batter, who is one of the best ODI batsmen in the world, is reportedly eager to stay in rhythm by turning out for his state side, according to a report by the Times of India.

Rohit Sharma SMAT return has created a buzz over social media, with fans wondering if he is willing to return to the T20I side ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but that is highly unlikely to happen, as he has already announced his retirement from T20I cricket after a perfect title win.

Will Rohit Sharma Play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26?

The 38-year-old has informed the Mumbai selectors of his willingness to participate in the tournament’s knockout phase. The Mumbai cricket team has registered four successive wins and is all set to secure a Super League slot, and Rohit’s readiness to join in during the business end provides a significant lift to the squad.

Rohit Sharma opened the home ODI series against South Africa in style, lighting up the Ranchi opener with a fifty. However, he departed early in the following match in Raipur. The former India skipper will be eager to make amends and deliver a strong performance in the series decider in Vizag.

With Rohit Sharma stepping away from both T20I and Test cricket, Ajit Agarkar had recommended that the veteran should get match practice by taking part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. So, both Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are going to feature in the domestic one-day competition.

Rohit Sharma Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy participation has caught many by surprise, and if this report turns out to be true, then a huge crowd will turn out to watch the star batter in action. Mumbai have been in commanding form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, remaining unbeaten through their first four matches. They are one of only three sides across the competition yet to suffer a defeat, along with Rajasthan and Jharkhand.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to Leave Mumbai Before SMAT Knockouts

Rohit Sharma is currently engaged in the ODI series against South Africa, ending on Saturday, December 6. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy group stage, Mumbai have benefited from the presence of Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, two of the most dangerous batsmen in the world.

Both players have looked in good touch, but with India set to face South Africa in a T20I series from December 9 to 19, the duo will leave the Mumbai squad before the SMAT knockout phase. This opens the door for Rohit Sharma to join the side at a crucial stage of the competition, bringing with him invaluable leadership.

Mumbai are doing wonders under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur, who is delivering an all-round performance throughout this Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign. Youngster Ayush Mhatre has been the standout performer, smashing back-to-back centuries, while Sarfaraz Khan announced his return to SMAT with an impressive hundred.

Both the spin and pace units are looking in control, with Thakur leading the attack alongside Tushar Deshpande and Shivam Dube, who have chipped in with crucial wickets. Mumbai are sitting comfortably on 16 points as they look set to secure their place in the knockout stage.