Irani Cup 2026: Rishabh Pant to Lead Rest of India Against Ranji Champions Jammu & Kashmir

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Rest of India squad for the 2026 Irani Cup, with Rishabh Pant named captain and wicketkeeper for the five-day contest against 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions Jammu & Kashmir.

The Irani Cup is scheduled to be played from October 1 to 5, with the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar set to host the fixture. It will be a significant occasion for Jammu & Kashmir, who won their maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season.

Pant's inclusion gives the Rest of India side an experienced international presence. Sarfaraz Khan has been appointed vice-captain, while wicketkeeper-batter Aryan Juyal provides another option behind the stumps.

The batting group also features Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Smaran Ravichandran and Saransh Jain, while the bowling department includes India internationals Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, along with Mukesh Choudhary and Manav Suthar.

The squad also includes all-rounders Anukul Roy, Aryan Pandey and Ayush Doseja, giving the selectors several options for the playing XI.

Rest of India Squad

Rishabh Pant (C, WK), Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan (VC), Smaran Ravichandran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal (WK), Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy, Ayush Doseja.