Irani Cup 2023-24: Pujara and Mayank in focus as Rest of India takes on Ranji Trophy champion Saurashtra

Sandwiched between the Asian Games and the World Cup, the Irani Cup match, which begins on the Saurashtra Cricket Association stadium right here on Sunday, derives its relevance from being the communion of the have-beens and the wannabes making an attempt to nourish their Team India prospects.

Cheteshwar Pujara, the can-do-all-day stonewaller, would be the buzz-making stately presence. It might be fascinating to observe if he’s being busy or attritional with the bat.

Pujara undoubtedly would be the bedrock of the Saurashtra batting that boasts of the second highest run-getter within the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, Arpit Vasavada. The crew additionally has the 37-year-old Sheldon Jackson, who’s recognized to string lengthy partnerships with Pujara.

The bowling might be spearheaded by captain Jaydev Unadkat. Pujara and Unadkat come off a county stint with Sussex.

Similarly, Rest of India’s B. Sai Sudharsan comes off a county stint with Surrey. The 21-year-old, who has been in high quality type and just lately received the TNCA cricketer of the 12 months award, might be among the many younger skills to be careful for together with Sarfaraz Khan, Yash Dhull, and Rohan Kunnummal. It might be fascinating to see the place they characteristic within the batting order.

Rest of India’s batting might be shouldered by the skilled Mayank Agarwal, the very best run-getter within the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, and captain Hanuma Vihari.

Bengal’s Akash Deep, who changed the injured Shivam Mavi within the Rest of India squad, is just not anticipated to play as he’s within the India squad on the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Navdeep Saini is anticipated to guide the tempo assault with Karnataka’s Vidwath Kaverappa. Shams Mulani, the second highest wicket-taker within the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, Uttar Pradesh’s Saurabh Kumar and Delhi’s Pulkit Narang are the spinners within the squad.

KS Bharat will don the gloves for Rest of India. Gloveman Dhruv Jurel additionally options within the squad.