Irani Cup 2024: BCCI announces squads as Rest of India, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, faces Ajinkya Rahane's Mumbai. Key players include Sarfaraz Khan and Prithvi Shaw
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the team for Rest of India who will be taking on Mumbai in the Irani Cup 2024. The match is scheduled to be held from October 1-5, 2024, at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, and is regarded as one of the oldest and the most coveted domestic fixtures in Indian cricket. Several players have geared up to fight in this contest unless they are away on national duties.
Among those who are included in the Rest of India squad, the likes of Yash Dayal and Dhruv Jurel have attracted attention. Both of these players are currently part of India’s Test squad in Bangladesh and whether they play the Irani Cup or not will depend if they are made available.
Dayal is a left-arm fast bowler, and this young Jurel is a keeper-batter who has been in the reckoning for a wild card if they are fit and available.
Also in the news is the name of batsman Sarfaraz Khan who has been given clearance to represent Mumbai. After an outstanding season in domestic cricket, it will be interesting to see how Sarfaraz manages to withstand the pressure of this high-profile match.
Rest of India
The Rest of India squad has a mix of youth and experience. Under the captaincy of the able Ruturaj Gaikwad, the squad also comprises established players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and wicketkeepers Dhruv Jurel, and Ishan Kishan. With the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed, the team has a fierce bowling attack to take on any team.
Rest of India: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Ricky Bhui, Shashwat Rawat, Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar.
Mumbai
Mumbai under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane includes its own share of stars. Avenging Rahane’s absence are young opening batsmen Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan. On the other hand, the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, and Shardul Thakur are never shy of providing support in the bat and ball.
Mumbai: Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan*, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (wk), Sidhaant Addhatrao (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohammad Juned Khan, Royston Dias.
As these two teams are about o face each other, it can be assured that it will be an exciting clash of two of the best domestic teams from India. The Irani Cup provides the stage for the war of talent as well as glory for the players who want to put their names forward for the consideration of the selectors for the national team.
The competition is fierce as Rest of India and Mumbai play for pride and the trophy as well. The outcome of this match, in particular, may be crucial for players aspiring to break the international ranks of the States or looking to solidify their positions.
