Sarfaraz Khan likely to be released for Irani Cup: Report
Sarfaraz Khan, a middle-order batter for Team India, is expected to be released from the national squad for the upcoming Irani Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has hinted at this decision ahead of the annual domestic season fixture. The match between Mumbai and Rest of India is scheduled from October 1-5 in Lucknow. Here are further details.
Sarfaraz to join Mumbai's squad for Irani Cup
Sarfaraz is set to join Mumbai's team for the Irani Cup unless there are last-minute injury concerns within the Indian squad. This move will see him playing alongside his brother, who is tipped to open the innings with Prithvi Shaw. The Times of India reports that this decision implies a longer wait for Sarfaraz to secure his position in Team India, as KL Rahul continues to be favored at number six.
Agarkar's stance on Sarfaraz's participation in Irani Cup
A source revealed that India's chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, is keen on releasing Sarfaraz from the main squad to participate in the Irani Cup. The source stated, "In any case, it takes just about an hour to reach Lucknow from Kanpur, so Sarfaraz can leave for Lucknow even much after the Kanpur Test has begun." This suggests a flexible approach toward Sarfaraz's involvement in the upcoming domestic match.
Mumbai's squad for Irani Cup and player updates
Mumbai is set to announce their team for the Irani Cup today. However, pacer Tushar Deshpande will be absent due to recent surgeries on his ankle and knee. The source added that "Deshpande is unlikely to be available for the next couple of months." Sarfaraz Khan has so far scored 4,183 runs in 50 first-class matches at an average of 66.39 with 14 centuries and as many fifties.
Rahane to lead Mumbai in Irani Cup
Ajinkya Rahane is confirmed to captain Mumbai in the upcoming Irani Cup game against Rest of India. This match will also mark all-rounder Shardul Thakur's return to First-Class cricket post-surgery. Top players including Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian are expected to play the match. However, there is no clarity whether Sarfaraz Khan will be picked for the tie if he's not selected in the playing 11 for Kanpur Test against Bangladesh.
