As the Indian cricket team battles on the final day of their rain-affected second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, just 90 kilometres away, all eyes will turn to Lucknow. The 2024 Irani Cup, featuring a star-studded clash between Rest of India (ROI) and Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai, is set to begin at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
The Rest of India squad boasts some of the country’s top emerging talents, many of whom are on the verge of receiving national Test call-ups. Leading the charge will be Ruturaj Gaikwad, with vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran by his side, as the duo look to make a strong case for being India’s backup openers in the longest format.
Strong Batting Line-Up with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Abhimanyu Easwaran
Ruturaj Gaikwad, known for his consistency, will lead the Rest of India, partnering with Easwaran at the top of the order. Both batsmen are looking to strengthen their positions as potential Test openers for India. Sai Sudharsan, fresh from a solid domestic season, is likely to slot in at number three.
Devdutt Padikkal, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, will aim to continue his form at number four. Meanwhile, Ricky Bhui, the top run-scorer in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy, is expected to bat at number five, rounding out a formidable batting line-up for ROI.
Dhruv Jurel vs Ishan Kishan: Wicketkeeping Dilemma
The most challenging decision for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will be choosing between wicketkeepers Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan. While Ishan Kishan made his Test debut before Jurel, the latter has firmly established himself during India’s series against England.
Dhruv Jurel, currently part of the Indian Test squad for the ongoing series against Bangladesh, is expected to get the nod behind the stumps. This means that Kishan will likely find himself on the bench unless selected as a specialist batsman.
Yash Dayal set to lead bowling attack
In the bowling department, Yash Dayal, who was part of the Indian squad against Bangladesh, is set to lead the pace attack. His inclusion as a left-arm pacer adds variety to the line-up, while Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna are likely to join him as the other fast bowlers.
With Khaleel Ahmed likely to miss out, this trio will aim to put early pressure on Mumbai’s strong batting line-up.
Spin options: Manav Suthar and Rahul Chahar
Manav Suthar has emerged as a promising spin-bowling all-rounder and is expected to play a key role in the XI. With Rahul Chahar as the lone specialist spinner, these two will handle the spin responsibilities. Suthar, considered a successor to the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, brings balance to the team with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Mumbai Indians strong opposition
Mumbai, as Ranji Trophy champions, bring an exceptionally strong squad to the table, featuring five Test-capped players: Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, and Shardul Thakur. This sets the stage for a highly competitive contest between two powerful teams.
Predicted Rest of India Playing XI for Irani Cup 2024
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (C)
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Ricky Bhui
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Manav Suthar
- Rahul Chahar
- Yash Dayal
- Mukesh Kumar
- Prasidh Krishna
With a blend of rising stars and seasoned domestic performers, the Rest of India squad looks well-balanced and ready for a challenging encounter against a formidable Mumbai team. As the Irani Cup unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these players, particularly Yash Dayal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, perform under pressure and stake their claims for higher honours in Indian cricket.
