Ajinkya Rahane’s Mumbai team made history on Saturday by clinching the Irani Cup for the first time in 27 years, defeating the Rest of India (RoI) side at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This monumental victory marks Mumbai’s 15th Irani Cup title, the most by any Ranji Trophy team, further cementing their legacy as one of India's premier cricket teams.

Sarfaraz Khan shines with unbeaten double century

After being sent in to bat on Day 1, Mumbai made a commanding start by posting a formidable total of 537, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s blistering unbeaten knock of 222, his fourth First-Class double hundred. Sarfaraz’s innings was the cornerstone of Mumbai’s batting effort, while captain Ajinkya Rahane also contributed with a solid 97. The partnership laid the foundation for Mumbai’s dominance in the match.

𝐌𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐢 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐈𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 👏 👏

Mohit Avasthi gets his 50. Tanush Kotian remains unbeaten on 114. The players shake hands 🤝

The match ends in a draw & Mumbai win the trophy by virtue of taking first-innings lead 🙌#IraniCup | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/0GTKkAdU6m

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) October 5, 2024

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Kotian’s heroics and Easwaran’s fightback

In response, Rest of India managed to score 416, with Abhimanyu Easwaran leading the fight with a brilliant 191. However, Mumbai's bowlers worked cohesively to secure a crucial 121-run first-innings lead, a margin that would prove to be the turning point. Mumbai’s second innings saw a shaky start with early dismissals, but Tanush Kotian’s heroic unbeaten 114 and Mohit Avasthi’s 51 not out stabilized the innings. The duo's unbroken 158-run partnership took the game beyond RoI’s reach.

With the match heading toward a draw, the teams shook hands when Mumbai reached 329 for 8, handing them victory based on their first-innings lead.

Experienced India all-rounder Shardul Thakur was rushed to a local hospital due to a high fever soon after the second day’s play of the Irani Cup match between Mumbai and the Rest of India in Lucknow. He battled with 102 degrees fever to contribute an all-important 36 runs in a 73-run ninth-wicket stand alongside Sarfaraz Khan during his time at the crease, according to The Indian Express.

Shardul Thakur batted through illness

On Day 1 also, Shardul Thakur had already shown signs of illness, as he was suffering from a mild fever. However, his condition became worse after spending close to two hours batting on Day 2 as well. Moreover, he had to take breaks twice during the innings, during which the team doctor checked his condition as well.

Despite his poor health condition, Thakur remained committed to the team. After his important knock, the Mumbai team management decided to take him to a nearby hospital in Lucknow, where he would be kept under observation for the night as well. The medical team is closely monitoring his condition, with doctors expected to decide on his fitness for Day 3 after checking his health progress.

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Shardul Thakur played a key knock

A source told the newspaper that Thakur was feeling weak throughout the day but he still went to bat despite his high fever. While medical tests for malaria and dengue were carried out, the team is awaiting results before taking a call regarding his further participation in the match as well. Thakur’s knock last 59 deliveries, where he hit a six and four boundaries as well.

However, he played cautiously and didn't play any rash shots, supporting Sarfaraz Khan well, who remained unbeaten on 221 at the end of Day 2 as well.

Musheer Khan will be out of action for quite some time now

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Sarfaraz Khan has been released from the Test squad in Kanpur

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the 15-member Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25, starting on October 1, 2024. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow will host this match.

On Tuesday (September 24), the men’s selection committee picked the 15-member Rest of India squad for the upcoming Irani Cup. They will face the reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in the Irani Cup.

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Rest of India 2024/25: Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran

Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the Rest of India, while Abhimanyu Easwaran will play the vice-captain role of the team that has won a record 30 Irani Cups. The team has many other stars, including batters like Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. 

In the wicketkeeper slot, Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel have been selected for the Rest of India. 

Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Khaleel Ahmed, etc. have been named as the pacers of the team. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has been named along with the off-spinner Saransh Jain.

As Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal are also in the Indian squad for the second or last Test against Bangladesh at Kanpur, which will begin on September 27, they are required to be released from the Test squad to participate in the Irani Cup. 

The Rest of India have won all the last three Irani Cups, while the last time they lost the Irani Cup against Mumbai was in 1997/98.

Only one common name from the last Rest of India squad for the 2023/24 season

The Rest of India beat Saurashtra by 175 runs in the last Irani Cup. Hanuma Vihari was the Rest of India's captain in that successful match. In the meantime, only Abhimanyu Easwaran is the common name in the Rest of India squads for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. 

Rest of India squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK)*, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal*, Ricky Bhui, Shashwat Rawat, Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced the 16-member Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25 on Tuesday (September 24). The former Indian Test vice-captain has been selected as the captain of the Mumbai team. 

Like most of the previous years, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions will start the first-class cricket season with the Irani Cup, where they will face the Rest of India. Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow will host this match from October 1. Last season, Mumbai extended their most Ranji Trophy titles record by winning it 42nd time. 

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Mumbai previously won the Irani Cup in 1997/98

It will be the first time for Mumbai to compete in the Irani Cup since 2016/17. The last time they played the Irani Cup was in the 2015/16 season, where they lost by four wickets. 

The Rest of India have won the Irani Cup for record times, 30 times. They have won all the last three Irani Cups. Meanwhile, out of participating 29 times, Mumbai have recorded 14 Irani Cup successes, the second most successful team in the Irani Cup history. 

The last time Mumbai won the Irani Cup was in the 1997/98 season. Under the leadership of Sanjay Manjrekar, Mumbai won that match by 53 runs. 

Ajinkya Rahane will lead Mumbai in the Irani Cup 

Former Indian Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who led the Indian team in 11 international matches (six Tests, three ODIs, and two T20Is), will lead the Mumbai team in the upcoming Irani Cup. 

Prithvi Shaw, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur have been named in the 16-member Mumbai squad. 

The Irani Cup 2024/25 will start on the last scheduled day of the Kanpur Test. So, the players in the Indian team squad are unable to participate in the Irani Cup. However, if Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube are released from the Indian Test team, they can join the Mumbai team for the Irani Cup.  

According to the latest BCCI report, Sarfaraz Khan has been released from the Indian squad to be available for Mumbai in the Irani Cup.            

Meanwhile, the MCA also announced the 25-member probable Mumbai squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024/25. 

Mumbai squad for the Irani Cup 2024/25

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias

Probable Mumbai squad for the Ranji Trophy 2024/25

Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Musheer Khan, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Siddhessh Lad, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore (WK), Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK), Shardul Thakur, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Himanshu Singh, Mohit Avasthi, Mohd. Juned Khan, Royston Dias, Harsh Tanna, Prasad Pawar (wk), Shashank Attarde, Karsh Kothari, Atharva Ankolekar, Jay Bista, Saksham Jha

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly shifted the venue of the Irani Cup 2024/25. The reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai will face the Rest of India in the upcoming Irani Cup match, starting on October 1.

Previously, the BCCI had scheduled the Irani Cup 2024/25 in Mumbai. However, according to the latest ESPNcricinfo report, the BCCI has decided to shift the upcoming Irani Cup match venue due to reducing any weather disruptions, as Mumbai is going through an extensive monsoon.  

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Lucknow will host the Irani Cup 2024/25 

Lucknow will host the Irani Cup 2024/25 match, starting on October 1. It will be the first time Lucknow will host the Irani Cup match.

Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Arvind Kumar Srivastava told ESPNcricinfo, "This year's Irani Cup match will be held in Lucknow, and we are excited to host it."

Just like the previous years, the Irani Cup 2024/25 will run with only one game between the reigning Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India. 

Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy 2023/24 after beating Vidarbha by 169 runs in the final of the competition. 

While Irani Cup 2024/25 will begin on October 1, it will be the last day of the last game of the two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur. So, the Indian Test squad members for the Kanpur Test can’t participate in the Irani Cup. 

Rest of India won last three Irani Cups, Mumbai last won in 1997/98

The 30-time Irani Cup champions Rest of India have won all the last three Irani Cups (2019/20, 2022/23, and 2023/24; 2020/21 and 2021/22 Irani Cup tournaments were cancelled due to COVID-19). 

The 14-time Irani Cup champions Mumbai last played an Irani Cup match in the 2015/16 season, when they lost against the Rest of India by four wickets. Last time they won an Irani Cup was in the 1997/98 season, when they won by 54 runs.

Prolific Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan was on Sunday ruled out of the Irani Cup. He was supposed to represent the Rest of India in the prestigious trophy but has been ruled out due to a left index finger injury that he sustained at the Delhi Capitals camp.

Khan skipped the practice match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. The Irani Cup match is set to get underway in Gwalior on March 1.

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Sarfaraz Khan ruled out for one week

As per a report in espncricinfo, the prolific run machine will be out for at least eight to ten days with the injury not looking serious. He is currently nursing the injury at a fitness camp organised by Delhi Capitals in Kolkata.

Khan was seen wearing a protective fibre cast on the finger during the practice match. He didn’t bat or bowl but was engaged with his team as the 12th man. However, his teammate Prithvi Shaw, looked in good touch during the practice game.

Out-of-favour Team India opener Mayank Agarwal will lead the Rest of India squad against Madhya Pradesh. The match was initially set to be played in Indore, but had to be shifted to Gwalior after the third India-Australia Test was allotted to the Holkar Stadium.

Rest of India squad: Mayank Agarwal (capt), Sudip Kumar Gharami, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harvik Desai, Mukesh Kumar, Atit Sheth, Chetan Sakariya, Navdeep Saini, Upendra Yadav (wk), Mayank Markande, Saurabh Kumar, Akash Deep, B Indrajith, Pulkit Narang, Yash Dhull

Madhya Pradesh squad: Himanshu Mantri (capt & wk), Rajat Patidar, Yash Dubey, Harsh Gawli, Shubham Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Aman Solanki, Kumar Kartikeya, Saransh Jain, Avesh Khan, Ankit Kushwah, Gaurav Yadav, Anubhav Agarwal, Mihir Hirwani