Mumbai will play Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup 2024 after winning their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023–24 competition. In a similar development, it has been confirmed that Ajinkya Rahane, the mainstay skipper, will lead the team in the crucial match.
On Sunday, August 4, Mumbai Cricket Association Chairman Sanjay Patil revealed the information. According to Patil, it makes perfect sense to select Ajinkya Rahane as captain as long as he is available.
He claims that the team is well into its preparations for the forthcoming domestic season. They participated in a two-week preparatory camp at “Three Ovals,” an Alur facility run by the KSCA that is situated outside of Bengaluru.
Ace opener Prithvi Shaw, who also plays for Northamptonshire in the One-Day Cup, could be joining the Irani Cup.
Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned cricketer from Mumbai and India, is now in England playing for Leicestershire in the One-Day Cup. Due to this obligation, Rahane will not be able to participate in the Buchi Babu Tournament. The Senior Selection Committee of the association has selected Sarfaraz Khan to be the team captain. Shams Mulani, the all-rounder’s vice captain for the Ranji Trophy the previous year, has also decided not to participate in the competition; however, he is anticipated to return for the Irani Cup.
“If Ajinkya is available, there’s no question who will be captain, but in his absence, we should be prepared with options, and Sarfaraz is the most experienced player right now and a Test player,” Patil told the local daily Mid-Day.
Sarfaraz is the only member of the announced team who has played Test cricket, aside from being the captain. Tanush Kotian, the Ranji season’s Player of the Tournament, is also a member of the team. Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz’s brother, is one more player in the 17-person squad.
Mumbai squad for Buchi Babu Tournament 2024:
Sarfaraz Khan (captain), Siddhesh Lad, Divyansh Saxena, Amogh Bhatkal, Akhil Herwadkar, Musheer Khan, Nutan Goel, Suryansh Shedge, Hardik Tamore, Prasad Pawar, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Himanshu Singh, Dhanit Raut, Sylvester D’Souza, Junaid Khan, Harsh Tanna