Table of Contents
The Irani Cup 2026 has just come to an end with the Rest of India winning the trophy under the leadership of Rishabh Pant. The former vice-captain of the India National Cricket Team did not take part after he had been suffering from a fever. Now, reportedly, he has been ruled out of the Ranji Trophy 2026/27 for Delhi.
The Rest of India won their third trophy; this is their first trophy post the 2023/24 season. Pant will be happy to have guided the side to the championship title after he had been struggling with form and being overlooked in the Men in Blue white-ball squads. He last featured during the India vs Sri Lanka two-match Test series.
Rishabh Pant ruled out of Ranji Trophy
As per reports, Rishabh Pant has viral fever; he has been advised to take rest, and it is learnt that this will also be the reason he will be unavailable for the match in the Ranji Trophy for Delhi. He has not been named as the captain for the side and would have only played as a player in the tournament.
Pant has also not been named in the Delhi squad that will be facing Bengal in their opening fixture. Apart from that, it is also learnt that he had a side strain and has been taken to the hospital for a scan and examination. This is a serious concern for the wicketkeeper-batter as the Test series is set to begin against New Zealand in a few months.
Rishabh Pant's recent form
Rishabh Pant did not have the best of times in the Irani Cup as he scored 18 runs in the competition. He scored 10 runs in the first innings and 8 in the second; this form has been a concern for the batter and also for the Men in Blue side as he has been their first-choice wicketkeeper.
The Southpaw scored 63 and 66 runs in his last two Test innings during the series against Sri Lanka in August 2026. Despite batting in both innings, he did not keep wicket after being struck on the shoulder. He has been suffering from a lot of injuries and needs to make sure he stays fit.
Mukesh Kumar starred in the Irani Cup final
Speaking of the Irani Cup, between Jammu and Kashmir and the Rest of India, he scored 237 runs in the first innings. While Paras Dogra’s side took a lead of 41 runs after they scored 278 runs, Dogra scored 75 runs in the first innings.
In the second innings, Rishabh Pant’s side were in trouble as they were 166/8 at one stage, and from there Smaran Ravichandran played a superb knock of 135 runs. They scored 319 and posted a target of 278 runs. However, while chasing, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions failed as they were bowled out for 111 runs.
Mukesh Kumar starred in the second innings as the Bengal-based pacer picked up 6 wickets and dismantled the Jammu and Kashmir batting order.
