Mumbai will welcome back star players Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur for the upcoming Irani Cup, scheduled to be held in Lucknow from October 1 to 5. The prestigious domestic cricket match, which pits the current Ranji Trophy champions against the Rest of India, will see Mumbai aiming for victory under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane.
Ajinkya Rahane to lead Mumbai in Irani Cup
Ajinkya Rahane, who guided Mumbai to their 42nd Ranji Trophy win earlier this year, has been named captain for the Irani Cup as per Cricbuzz. His vast experience and leadership qualities are expected to be crucial for Mumbai as they face a strong Rest of India side.
Shreyas Iyer comeback path
Shreyas Iyer, who has been out of India’s international line-up recently, will be eager to make a strong impact. Having missed out on selection for the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, the Irani Cup could provide the perfect platform for Iyer to push his case for future India call-ups.
The right-handed batsman last played for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka and also captained India D in the Duleep Trophy. A solid performance in this fixture could be key for his international return.
Shardul Thakur return
Shardul Thakur, another prominent name in Indian cricket, is set to bolster Mumbai’s line-up. The all-rounder has been recovering from ankle surgery and recently made a successful return during the KSCA tournament and Duleep Trophy.
His inclusion adds depth to both Mumbai’s batting and bowling departments, giving the team a significant boost ahead of the match.
Mumbai’s Squad yet to be finalised
While Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur’s availability has been confirmed, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is yet to announce its complete squad. The final team line-up is expected to be revealed soon as Mumbai gears up for what promises to be an exciting contest against the Rest of India.