Ajinkya Rahane to Lead Mumbai in Irani Cup as Shardul Thakur Returns

Ajinkya Rahane is set to lead Mumbai in the Irani Cup against Rest of India in Lucknow. This match marks Shardul Thakur's return to first-class cricket post-surgery. Other top players, including Shreyas Iyer and Shams Mulani, are expected to play. The status of Sarfaraz Khan remains uncertain.

Ajinkya Rahane will helm the Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai, in their upcoming Irani Cup clash against Rest of India, set to take place in Lucknow. The match will also witness the return of all-rounder Shardul Thakur to first-class cricket following his surgery.

Top players like Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian are expected to participate. However, uncertainty looms over Sarfaraz Khan's inclusion, as he is currently part of the India squad for the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh beginning on September 27. Depending on his non-selection for the Test, the Mumbai Cricket Association may request his participation in the Irani Cup.

The official team announcement is slated for tomorrow. A BCCI source mentioned the logistical flexibility if Sarfaraz needs to join the Irani Cup match on October 1, provided the Kanpur Test concludes early. Notably, India's T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube are set to miss the Irani Cup due to commitments towards the T20I series in Gwalior starting October 6.

(With inputs from agencies.)