Ranji Trophy: Bolstered by Yashasvi Jaiswal's return, Mumbai face depleted Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Boosted by the inclusion of India Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, a starstudded Mumbai will start as favourites against a depleted Raj when the two sides clash in the Ranji Trophy third round at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Jaiswal, who missed the first two games while on ODI duty in Australia, returns to strengthen the 42-time champions, who are currently leading Elite Group D with nine points. His comeback adds further depth to an already powerful batting line-up featuring several India hopefuls.The game also provides a valuable opportunity for out-of-favour Test players Ajinkya Rahane,

Shardul Thakur

, and Sarfaraz Khan to make a strong case for national selection with consistent performances at the domestic level.Although Shivam Dube (India T20) and Tanush Kotian (India A) are unavailable due to national commitments, Mumbai still boast enough balance and experience to push for a second outright win this season. Raj, meanwhile, sit third in the eight-team group with six points and will need a special effort to challenge the table-toppers.After beating J&K in their opener, Mumbai were forced to settle for three points against Chhattisgarh in their first home fixture.

Raj began brightly, thrashing Chhattisgarh by nine wickets, but suffered an innings defeat inside two days in their next outing against J&K. Their bowling resources have taken a major hit, with Manav Suthar and Khaleel Ahmed on India A duty and Deepak Chahar out injured after impressive early performances.With the odds stacked against them, the hosts will draw confidence from their U-23 side, which shocked Mumbai by seven wickets in the CK Nayudu Trophy at the same venue on October 20 — chasing a massive 316 on the final day for their maiden win.Despite the setbacks, skipper Mahipal Lomror and head coach Anshu Jain sounded upbeat ahead of the contest.“We have enough bench strength to replace the regulars. It’s an ideal opportunity for youngsters to showcase their talent against a top side like Mumbai,” Lomror told TOI on Friday.