Sarfaraz, Jurel, Dayal Likely to be Released from India Squad for Irani Cup

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Sarfaraz Khan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that premier middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel, and pacer Yash Dayal are likely to be released from the Indian squad for the upcoming Irani Cup. This decision hinges on their selection status for the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to start on September 27 in Kanpur.

The Irani Cup, a prestigious fixture in the Indian domestic cricket calendar, pits the reigning Ranji Trophy champions against the Rest of India team. This year, the match will be held in Lucknow from October 1-5, with the Rest of India squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Implications for the Irani Cup

The potential release of these players will significantly strengthen the Rest of India squad. The team, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, includes notable names like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal. The inclusion of Sarfaraz, Jurel, and Dayal will add depth and experience to the squad.

Mumbai’s Prospects

Mumbai, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, will be led by Ajinkya Rahane. The team will also see the return of all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who is making a comeback to first-class cricket post-surgery. Other key players for Mumbai include Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian.

The BCCI’s decision to potentially release these players is strategic. It ensures that players who are not part of the playing XI for the national team get valuable match practice in a high-stakes domestic tournament. This move also highlights the depth of talent in Indian cricket, with players seamlessly transitioning between domestic and international duties.

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