Ishan Kishan’s journey back to red-ball cricket gained significant momentum with his selection in the Rest of India (RoI) squad for the upcoming Irani Cup, to be held in Lucknow from October 1 to 5, 2024. Kishan, who recently showcased his talent with a century for India C in the Duleep Trophy, is among the notable names picked for this prestigious match.
Kishan’s return to the red-ball format has been closely watched after he lost his central BCCI contract. His recent century in the Duleep Trophy, marking his first first-class appearance since July 2023, was a reminder of his prowess and potential. His inclusion in the RoI squad signifies a strong vote of confidence in his ability to transition between formats, particularly in a format that has challenged him in the past.
The Rest of India squad is packed with talent, featuring Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain and a mix of experienced and emerging players. Joining Kishan are well-known names like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and B Sai Sudharsan, who will strengthen the top order. Sarfaraz Khan and Yash Dayal, key performers in India's Test squad, have also been included, provided they are not selected for the ongoing Test series.
The pace attack is a formidable unit, including Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and the left-arm duo of Yash Dayal and Khaleel Ahmed. Prasidh’s return from a quadriceps injury adds much-needed firepower to the squad, while the spin department is well-covered with Rahul Chahar, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain.
Mohammed Shami, who has not played competitive cricket since the 2023 World Cup, is a significant absentee. Originally expected to play in the Duleep Trophy to prove his fitness, Shami’s return has been delayed, with the fast bowler opting for more time in rehabilitation after ankle surgery. He is expected to make a gradual return during the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, starting October 11.
On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane will lead a strong Mumbai squad featuring big names like Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, and comeback man Shardul Thakur, who has recovered from foot surgery. Rahane’s experience in red-ball cricket, recently honed with Leicestershire in the County Championship, will be pivotal for Mumbai.
With four frontline openers in Gaikwad, Easwaran, Padikkal, and Sudharsan, the Rest of India has a versatile batting lineup capable of adapting to any situation. Padikkal and Sudharsan’s recent shifts to middle-order roles provide more flexibility, while the inclusion of rising talents like Ricky Bhui and Shashwat Rawat reflects the selectors' focus on rewarding domestic form.
Bhui’s impressive Duleep Trophy form—359 runs at an average of 71.80—along with Rawat’s consistent performances, makes them key contributors. These moves not only strengthen the squad but also offer a glimpse into India’s robust domestic cricket pipeline.
Originally scheduled to be held in Mumbai, the Irani Cup was moved to Lucknow due to concerns over monsoon-related weather interruptions. This decision ensures uninterrupted action as the Rest of India seeks to reclaim dominance in a tournament that remains one of the most prestigious in Indian domestic cricket.
Also Read: IND vs BAN: 5 big records that Ravichandran Ashwin can make in the second Test
Give Your Feedback