Irani Cup 2024–25: Ajinkya Rahane will lead Mumbai, with Shardul Thakur and Shreyas Iyer set to take part

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has not yet revealed the whole roster for Mumbai’s Irani Cup 2024 match against Rest of India, but it is certain that Indian players Shardul Thakur and Shreyas Iyer will play for the defending Ranji winners.

The match will take place in Lucknow between October 1 and October 5, 2024. Mumbai will be led by former India captain Ajinkya Rahane, according to a report.

Notably, Ajinkya Rahane also guided Mumbai to the 42nd Ranji Trophy victory, setting a new record, in the 2023–24 season, when they defeated Vidarbha in the championship match.

Iyer, on the other hand, plans to use this chance as a springboard to get back into the Indian team. He was not selected for the current series against Bangladesh, as of late. Iyer, who captained India D in the recently concluded Duleep Trophy, would be looking to seize the chance that has been presented to him.

In the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, he made his Indian debut. Still, he came upon a weak point at that point. The Mumbai native is eager to take advantage of this chance, which may pave the way for him to be included in the plans for India’s forthcoming games.

Regarding Thakur, Mumbai will gain a higher ranking as the all-round player returns to the team following a June absence due to an ankle injury. Additionally, a senior MCA official revealed that Thakur had informed them of his availability.

MCA is anticipated to release the squad on Tuesday.

The MCA hasn’t yet revealed the full roster. Along with the regulars, it is expected to include a number of veteran Mumbai campaigners. The full roster will be revealed on Tuesday, September 24. Among the celebrities anticipated to grace the award occasion are all-arounders Tanush Kotian and Musheer Khan, vice captain Shams Mulani, and others.

Also Read: Reports: Shardul Thakur is track to play for Mumbai in the Irani Cup after surgery

Mumbai last participated in the five-day competition in the 2015–16 season, and it concluded. The domestic powerhouses will be trying to win the trophy again, as they haven’t done so since the 1997–98 campaign.