Rest of India Squad Announced for ZR Irani Cup 2024 Against Ranji Champions Mumbai

The Men’s Selection Committee has announced the Rest of India (RoI) squad for the highly anticipated ZR Irani Cup 2024, to be played against Mumbai, the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy champions. This prestigious annual match, which pits the Ranji Trophy winners against a selection of top players from across India, will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow from October 1st to 5th, 2024. 

Rest of India Squad:  

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)  
Abhimanyu Easwaran (Vice-Captain)  
Sai Sudharsan  
Devdutt Padikkal  
Dhruv Jurel (Wicket-Keeper)  
Ishan Kishan (Wicket-Keeper)  
Manav Suthar  
Saransh Jain  
Prasidh Krishna  
Mukesh Kumar  
Yash Dayal  
Ricky Bhui  
Shashwat Rawat  
Khaleel Ahmed  
Rahul Chahar  

Key Squad Highlights:  
The Rest of India squad will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who brings leadership experience and an impressive record in domestic and limited-overs cricket. Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in the domestic circuit, will serve as vice-captain. The squad features a blend of youth and experience, including promising talents like Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, alongside established names such as Ishan Kishan and Prasidh Krishna.

Two standout wicket-keepers, Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan, provide depth in the squad, with Jurel being noted for his recent performances in the domestic circuit. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar will lead a formidable pace attack, supported by left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed and promising speedster Yash Dayal. The spin department is bolstered by Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, and Rahul Chahar, who bring variety with their bowling styles.

Selection Notes:  
Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal have been included in the RoI squad, but their participation will depend on whether they are required for India's second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, which starts on September 27th. Sarfaraz Khan, a key member of the Indian Test squad, may be released to represent Mumbai in the ZR Irani Cup, provided he does not feature in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh.

The Significance of the ZR Irani Cup  
The ZR Irani Cup is a hallmark event in Indian domestic cricket, often regarded as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on a larger stage. The contest between Rest of India and the Ranji Trophy champions is seen as a crucial test for players on the fringes of national selection. For the Rest of India squad, it’s an opportunity to challenge Mumbai, a team that historically boasts depth and dominance in Indian domestic cricket.

The 2024 edition is set to be no different, with the Ranji champions Mumbai bringing their own experienced and talented squad. Mumbai’s key player, Sarfaraz Khan, may rejoin his state side depending on his involvement with the national team. His availability could be a pivotal factor for Mumbai as they look to reclaim the prestigious trophy.

Looking Ahead  
With the clash between two heavyweight teams — Rest of India and Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai — the ZR Irani Cup 2024 promises to deliver high-quality cricket. Both teams are packed with players who are either knocking on the doors of the national team or are already part of the international setup. The match will also serve as a critical selection ground, offering players a chance to impress the national selectors ahead of future India tours.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the contest, which will be held at one of India's premier venues, the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. With star performers like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Prasidh Krishna leading the charge, this year’s Irani Cup is expected to be a thrilling five-day battle.