Rajkot :- After a hiatus, the domestic cricket season in India is set to resume with a thrilling encounter between Saurashtra and Rest of India (RoI) in the Irani Cup. The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot will play host to this five-day spectacle, providing cricket fans with a much-awaited treat.
Jaydev Unadkat to Lead Saurashtra
In a highly anticipated match, Jaydev Unadkat, who led Saurashtra to victory in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy, will once again don the captain’s armband. Unadkat, fresh off a successful County stint with Sussex, will be joined by his veteran India teammate, Cheteshwar Pujara. The Saurashtra team boasts a formidable batting lineup, including Arpit Vasavada and Sheldon Jackson.
RoI’s Strong Lineup
On the other side of the pitch, Rest of India will be led by Hanuma Vihari. Their batting lineup will be fortified by Mayank Agarwal, who was the leading run-scorer in the previous Ranji season, amassing an impressive 990 runs. Young talents like Sai Sudharsan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rohan Kunnummal have also earned their spots in the 15-member squad. Karnataka’s Vidwath Kaverappa is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Navdeep Saini, promising a thrilling contest between bat and ball.
Squad Details
Saurashtra Squad:
- Captain: Jaydev Unadkat
- Key Players: Cheteshwar Pujara, Sheldon Jackson, Arpit Vasavada
- Other Squad Members: Harvik Desai, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Prerak Mankad, Chirag Jani, Jay Gohil, Parth Bhut, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Samarth Vyas, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya, Kushang Patel, Snell Patel, Devang Karamta.
Rest of India Squad:
- Captain: Hanuma Vihari
- Key Players: Mayank Agarwal, K S Bharat, Vidwath Kaverappa
- Other Squad Members: Yash Dhull, Shams Mulani, Sai Sudarshan, Sarfaraz Khan, Pulkit Narang, Saurabh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Navdeep Saini, Akash Deep, Rohan Kunnummal, Dhruv Jurel.
Road to the Irani Cup
Saurashtra’s journey to the Irani Cup began earlier this year when they secured their second Ranji Trophy title by defeating Bengal by nine wickets at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The Irani Cup promises to be an enthralling contest between two talented teams, each eager to make their mark. With star players on both sides and the resumption of the domestic cricket season, cricket enthusiasts have much to look forward to. The match will serve as a precursor to the upcoming Cricket World Cup, adding to the excitement surrounding the sport in India.
As the cricketing world gears up for a feast of high-quality cricket, all eyes will be on Rajkot, where Saurashtra and Rest of India will lock horns in a battle for supremacy. The action is set to commence on Sunday, with fans eagerly awaiting the first ball to be bowled at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
