Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur set to represent Mumbai in Irani Cup 2024 under Ajinkya Rahane

Published - 23 Sep 2024, 04:43 PM | Updated - 23 Sep 2024, 04:46 PM

Shreyas Iyer

India national team cricketers Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur will represent Mumbai in the upcoming Irani Cup match against the Rest of India. Ajinkya Rahane, who recently led Mumbai to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title, will lead the Mumbai state team, including Shreyas Iyer, in the match.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has not yet released the complete squad for the Irani Cup. The match was planned to be played in Mumbai from October 1 to 5. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to relocate the game to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Shardul Thakur To Play For Mumbai In Irani Cup 2024

Shardul Thakur's return will boost Mumbai in both bowling and batting departments. He had been out since June following ankle surgery. The all-rounder recently participated in the KSCA tournament. He recorded a two-ball duck and bowled eight overs, giving away 29 runs without taking a wicket.

Shardul was unable to participate in the Duleep Trophy 2024. He played a crucial role in Mumbai's 2024 Ranji Trophy-winning campaign. Thakur last played for India during the South Africa tour in late 2023.

The all-rounder scored a vital century in the semi-final against Tamil Nadu and a half-century in the final against Vidarbha. He concluded the season with 255 runs at an average of 31.87 and took 16 wickets at an average of 20.12.

Shreyas Iyer To Feature In Irani Cup After Being Dropped From India

Shreyas Iyer is looking to make a return to the international stage after being left out of the Indian squad for the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Shreyas Iyer will participate in the domestic match between the reigning Ranji champions and the Rest of India.

Shreyas Iyer last played for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka last month. The middle-order batter recently captained India D in the Duleep Trophy. The Irani Cup game is an important opportunity for him to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot back on the Indian cricket team.

BCCI To Inaugurate New NCA On September 28

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the inauguration of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru will take place on September 28. BCCI secretary Jay Shah highlighted that the academy's world-class facilities will benefit both current and future cricketers.

In his email, Shah wrote (as quoted by Cricbuzz), "I hope this message finds you well. It is our pleasure to extend an invitation to you for the much-anticipated. inauguration of the New National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, India, on 28th September 2024.

"The new NCA will feature three world-class playing grounds, 45 practice pitches, indoor cricket pitches, Olympic size swimming pool and state-of-the-art training, recovery, and sports science facilities. This initiative will help our nation's current and future cricketers develop their skills in the best possible environment!

"Your support in this ground-breaking project has been most valuable, and we sincerely hope that you can spare some time from your busy schedule and grace us with your presence."

Also read: 'It'll be very hard for India to...": Dinesh Karthik's bold BGT 2024-25 prediction