Mumbai, Sep 24 || The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced its squad for the Irani Cup 2024, with veteran Ajinkya Rahane set to lead the team against the Rest of India, scheduled to be played from October 1 to 5 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Ajinkya Rahane, who played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, returns to captain the side after skipping the Duleep Trophy 2024. Joining him is opener Prithvi Shaw, who is set to make an impact after a successful stint in the County Championship.
The match will be crucial for both Shaw and Shreyas Iyer, as they aim to revive their international careers with strong domestic performances. Shaw, eager to showcase his potential after impressing in county cricket, and Iyer, under scrutiny following recent struggles in red-ball cricket, are eyeing this game as a stepping stone back to the Indian national team.
The Mumbai squad is also bolstered by young talents like Musheer Khan, who lit up the Duleep Trophy with his performances recently and experienced campaigners like Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani. Hardik Tamore and Sidhaant Addhatrao have been selected as the two wicketkeepers, while the formidable bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur returns to red-ball cricket, likely eyeing a spot in India's plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In a major boost, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube could also join the team if they are released from their India duties. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sarfaraz, who is part of India’s squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, will be released to play for Mumbai in the Irani Cup if he is not selected for the Test.