Thu Sep 26 09:03:49 UTC 2024: ## Ruturaj Gaikwad to Lead Rest of India in Irani Cup Clash Against Mumbai

**Lucknow, India (October 1, 2024):** The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the Rest of India (RoI) squad in the upcoming IDFC First Bank ZR Irani Cup 2024. The RoI will take on the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai, in a five-day match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow from October 1st to 5th.

Gaikwad will be assisted by vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran. The squad boasts a mix of experienced and emerging talent, including Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Ricky Bhui, Shashwat Rawat, Khaleel Ahmed, and Rahul Chahar.

However, the participation of Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal hinges on their selection in the Indian team for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, which begins on September 27th. Similarly, Sarfaraz Khan, retained in the Indian squad for the Kanpur Test, will join the Mumbai team if not included in the playing XI.

The absence of Mohammed Shami from the RoI squad has raised eyebrows. The veteran pacer, who last played competitive cricket during the 2023 World Cup, was expected to feature in the Duleep Trophy to showcase his fitness. His exclusion suggests a further delay in his return to competitive cricket.

The Irani Cup, a prestigious fixture contested between the Ranji Trophy champions and a Rest of India team, is set to provide an exciting clash between two formidable sides. Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action from the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

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