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Irani Cup 2026: Rishabh Pant to Lead Rest of India; Sarfaraz Khan Named Vice-Captain, Akash Deep Returns
Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who missed out on a spot in the squad for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, has been appointed captain of the Rest of India team for the Irani Cup. Rest of India will face the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions, Jammu & Kashmir. Meanwhile, explosive batter Sarfaraz Khan has been handed the role of vice-captain.
This high-voltage clash will be played from October 1 to 5 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.
Key Highlights of Team Selection
- Focus on Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan: Pant will take the field aiming to maintain his match fitness and play a substantial innings in this major encounter. He will be supported in the middle order by vice-captain Sarfaraz Khan.
- Potential Return of Akash Deep: Fast bowler Akash Deep, who has been away from cricket for a long time due to a lower-back stress injury, has returned to the squad; however, his participation depends on fitness clearance. Interestingly, Akash Deep played his last match against Jammu & Kashmir during the Ranji Trophy in February 2026.
- Strong Pace and Spin Attack: In the pace department, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, and Aryan Pandey join Akash Deep. The spin department features Anukul Roy alongside Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain, the latter having recently been part of the Test series against Sri Lanka.
- Reward for Domestic Stars: The top two run-scorers from the previous Ranji Trophy season—R Smaran (Smaran Ravichandran) and Ayush Doseja—have also earned spots in the squad.
Rest of India Full Squad
Rest of India Team: Rishabh Pant (Captain, Wicketkeeper), Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan (Vice-captain), Smaran Ravichandran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep (subject to fitness), Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal (Wicketkeeper), Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy, Ayush Doseja.
