In a major setback for the Mumbai squad ahead of their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 quarter-final match against Karnataka, star batter Sarfaraz Khan has been hospitalized. The 26-year-old middle-order mainstay has reportedly been diagnosed with viral fever, just hours before the crucial knockout clash scheduled to begin on February 6 in Mumbai.

While the severity of his illness remains undisclosed, his sudden admission to the hospital has raised serious doubts about his participation in the match. Sarfaraz has been in sublime form this season, amassing 429 runs in 9 innings at an impressive average of 53.62. He is the only batter from Mumbai to have scored a double century in the current campaign, making him the backbone of the Shardul Thakur-led side.

After Siddhesh Lad, Sarfaraz is Mumbai’s second-highest run-getter this season, with 44 boundaries and a team-high 11 sixes to his name. His absence could significantly weaken the batting line-up against a formidable Karnataka attack. The Mumbai team management is closely monitoring his health, hoping for a miraculous recovery before the toss.