The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the second Test against Bangladesh, but there’s a twist in the tale for three promising players. Middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel, and pacer Yash Dayal are all set to be released from the national squad for the Irani Cup, a prestigious domestic tournament, should they miss out on the playing XI for the Test starting on September 27 in Kanpur.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, which will face off against reigning Ranji Trophy champion Mumbai in Lucknow from October 1-5. The inclusion of Jurel and Dayal in the Rest of India squad is contingent on their non-selection for the second Test, as the BCCI clarified in a statement.
If sources are to be believed, KL Rahul could potentially step in for Rishabh Pant if the latter faces any injury concerns during the Test.
Meanwhile, prolific run-getter Sarfaraz Khan, who represents Mumbai domestically, is also slated to play for his home side, captained by Ajinkya Rahane, if he doesn’t make the cut for the second Test. The BCCI statement confirmed this, stating that Sarfaraz, who has been retained in the Indian squad for the second Test, will be released to play for Mumbai subject to his non-inclusion in the Test match.
The Irani Cup match will also mark the return of Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur to first-class cricket after his surgery. The match is expected to feature a strong Mumbai team, including Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian.
However, Mumbai’s T20 stalwarts, Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20 captain, and all-rounder Shivam Dube, who are automatic selections in the Indian T20 squad, will miss the Irani Cup as they are required to report in Gwalior on October 3 for the T20I series starting October 6.
The Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup includes: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Abhimanyu Easwaran (v-c), 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.
This move by the BCCI ensures that these talented players, who haven’t made the cut for the second Test, get valuable game time and maintain their form in the domestic circuit, adding more excitement and competitive spirit to the Irani Cup.
