BCCI Releases Key Players for Irani Cup As Shami's Return Delayed

BCCI has released Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Yash Dayal for the Irani Cup. India retained its squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, leading to their release. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead Rest of India against Mumbai. Notably, Mohammed Shami remains absent due to prolonged sideline period.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the release of Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Yash Dayal for the Irani Cup, set to begin on Tuesday in Lucknow. The Irani Cup will see Rest of India compete against Mumbai from Tuesday to Saturday.

Sarfaraz, Jurel, and Dayal were part of India's squad for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur but failed to secure a spot in the playing XI. Consequently, they were released to participate in the Irani Cup. Jurel and Dayal feature in the Rest of India squad with Jurel serving as the second wicketkeeper alongside Ishan Kishan.

Sarfaraz has joined Mumbai's squad, led by Ajinkya Rahane. His brother, Musheer Khan, was expected to join the team but missed out due to a neck fracture sustained in a road accident near Lucknow. The Rest of India, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad with Abhimanyu Easwaran as vice-captain, will aim to dominate. Gaikwad previously led India to gold in the Asian Games 2023.

Notably, Mohammed Shami, a seasoned pacer, remains sidelined since last year's ODI World Cup and missed a potential return in the Duleep Trophy. His extended absence continues as he's been left out of the Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup.

Irani Cup Squads: Rest of India - Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran (vice-captain), B 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 - Ajinkya Rahane (captain), 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.

(With inputs from agencies.)