Irani Cup 2024: Detailed Look at Rest of India Squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the Rest of India (ROI) squad for the 2024 Irani Cup, a prestigious fixture where the Rest of India team faces the Ranji Trophy champions.

This year's clash, scheduled from October 1 to 5, will see ROI take on Mumbai at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow. Here is the full Rest of India squad selected for the Irani Cup 2024:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK)*, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal*, Ricky Bhui, Shashwat Rawat, Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar.

Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, the squad includes a blend of seasoned performers and rising talents, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian cricket. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named vice-captain, and the squad boasts two wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel.

Kishan's inclusion is notable given the challenges he has faced in recent months after missing out on a central contract with the BCCI earlier this year. His selection for the Irani Cup signals an opportunity to reassert his position, especially with the absence of some big names in the squad.

Among those missing out are Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav, who are likely to be part of India's limited-overs series against Bangladesh. Similarly, fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, a standout performer in the Duleep Trophy, was overlooked as he, too, is expected to represent India in the upcoming international fixtures.

One of the key narratives leading into this match is the possible absence of players like Jurel and Yash Dayal, both of whom are part of India's Test squad against Bangladesh. Should they not feature in the second Test starting on September 27, they are likely to join the ROI squad for the Irani Cup.

The same applies to Sarfaraz Khan, whose participation will depend on his role in the Bangladesh series. Khan, if available, will represent Mumbai, giving the match an intriguing subplot with the potential face-off between Khan and his potential replacements in the ROI lineup.