Irani Cup 2024-25: Ajinkya Rahane to lead Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur set to feature

Although the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) hasn't yet announced the entire squad Mumbai's clash against Rest of India in the Irani Cup 2024, it is set that India cricketers, Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur, will represent the reigning Ranji champions.

The fixture will be played in Lucknow from October 1 to 5, 2024. The former India skipper Ajinkya Rahane will be leading Mumbai, as per a report by Cricbuzz. Notably, Rahane also led Mumbai to their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title with the 2023-24 season, where they beat Vidarbha in the finals.

Iyer, meanwhile, will be taking this opportunity provided to him as a platform to find himself back in the Indian team. He was recently not considered for selection for the ongoing series against Bangladesh. Iyer, who led India D in the recently-concluded edition of the Duleep Trophy, will be hoping to grasp the opportunity provided to him with both hands. 

He last played for India in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, he encountered a lean patch then. The Mumbai-born will be keen on making the most out of this opportunity, which could quite possibly open the doors for him being in the scheme of things for the India's upcoming fixtures.

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As for Thakur, Mumbai will receive an increase in elevation with the all-rounder coming back to the squad after being sidelined since June due to having sustained an ankle injury. A top MCA official has also disclosed, that Thakur himself had let them know of his availability.