Yashasvi Jaiswal Returns to Bolster Mumbai as Vijay Hazare Trophy Heats Up
Mumbai’s Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign is set to receive a timely boost with Yashasvi Jaiswal returning to full training after recovering from acute gastroenteritis. The young opener, who missed the opening stretch of the tournament due to illness, is now fit and raring to go, with his comeback expected to begin against Goa later this week.
On a misty Tuesday morning at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground, Jaiswal arrived well before most of his teammates, signalling both intent and eagerness. He spent close to an hour in the nets, facing a mix of spinners and pacers, and by all accounts looked completely at ease. There were no cameras or crowds around — the session was a largely closed-door affair — but the message was clear inside the camp: Jaiswal is ready.
Mumbai’s bowling mentor and coach Dhawal Kulkarni highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad and the lift that comes from senior players returning to action. Speaking to Sportstar, Kulkarni stressed that the group is in a strong mental space and that the results are beginning to reflect that confidence.
“The team is looking good, the guys have been in a good frame of mind, and one can see the results,” Kulkarni said. “The practice was a closed-door affair, and Jaiswal looked at ease against both spin and pace. With Yashasvi coming back, and other international players expected in the next few games, it really boosts the morale of the entire unit.”
Kulkarni emphasized the importance of staying grounded as the tournament progresses. “It’s always good to take things one game at a time. We’ve just asked the boys to focus on what’s coming up immediately rather than thinking too far ahead,” he added.
The timing of Jaiswal’s return could hardly be better. As the group stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy gathers momentum, every match now carries greater significance. Mumbai, one of the tournament’s heavyweight teams, are keen to build rhythm and momentum before the knockout stages, and the return of proven performers could be decisive.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Comeback Lifts Team Morale Ahead of Crucial Clash Against Goa
In addition to Jaiswal, Kulkarni also pointed out how the presence of experienced internationals lifts the squad’s overall confidence. Rohit Sharma’s recent return to action after a long break has already had a visible impact on the group, both on and off the field. Adding Jaiswal back into the mix only strengthens Mumbai’s core.
From a tactical standpoint, Jaiswal’s availability reshapes Mumbai’s batting order immediately. The left-hander is expected to open the innings alongside Angkrish Raghuvanshi, a pairing that offers a blend of aggression and composure at the top. With Jaiswal slotting back in, Ishan Mulchandani could make way, underlining just how competitive places have become.
Jaiswal’s value to Mumbai goes beyond just runs. His ability to set the tempo early, dominate bowlers, and seize initiative — particularly on mornings when conditions may assist seamers — makes him a game-changer in the 50-over format. His presence at the top allows Mumbai to dictate terms rather than react, a crucial factor as pressure builds in the latter stages of the group phase.
Having missed the first three games of the tournament, Jaiswal is expected to be available for Mumbai’s next three to four matches, starting with the clash against Goa on Wednesday. For the 22-year-old, it’s an opportunity to ease back into competitive cricket while immediately influencing results.
For Mumbai, it’s a significant reinforcement at exactly the right moment. As the schedule tightens and margins for error shrink, the return of Yashasvi Jaiswal could prove to be a defining factor in their Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign.
