Indian 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 its 42nd Ranji Trophy title, will lead the Mumbai state team, including Shreyas Iyer, in the match.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is yet to release the full squad for the Iran Cup. The match was scheduled to be played in Mumbai from October 1 to 5. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to shift the match to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Shardul Thakur to play for Mumbai in Iran Cup 2024
Shardul Thakur’s return will boost Mumbai both in the batting and bowling department. He had been out since June due to ankle surgery. The all-rounder recently took part in the KSCA tournament. He registered a two-ball duck and bowled eight overs, giving away 29 runs without taking a wicket.
Shardul was unable to participate in the 2024 Duleep Trophy. He played a crucial role in Mumbai’s campaign to win the 2024 Ranji Trophy. Thakur last played for India during the tour of South Africa 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 take part in Iran Cup after India’s elimination
Shreyas Iyer is looking to make a comeback to the international scene after being left out of the Indian squad for the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh. Shreyas Iyer will feature in the domestic match between the reigning Ranji champions and Rest of India.
Shreyas Iyer last played for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka last month. The middle-order batsman recently captained India D in the Duleep Trophy. The Iran Cup match is an important opportunity for him to showcase his skills and potentially earn a place back in the Indian cricket team.
BCCI to inaugurate new NCA on September 28
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced that the inauguration of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru will take place on September 28. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stressed that the academy’s world-class facilities will benefit current and future cricketers.
In his email, Shah wrote (as quoted by Cricbuzz): “Hope this message reaches you well. It is our pleasure to extend an invitation to you for the much-awaited inauguration of the New National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, India on 28th September 2024.
“The new NCA will feature three world-class playing fields, 45 practice pitches, indoor cricket pitches, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and state-of-the-art training, recovery and sports science facilities. This initiative will help our country’s current and future cricketers develop their skills in the best possible environment!
“Your support in this innovative project has been invaluable and we sincerely hope that you can take some time out of your busy schedule and honor us with your presence.”
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