MCA confirms Ajinkya Rahane as Mumbai skipper for Irani Cup 2024

After winning their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 edition, Mumbai are set to square off against Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup 2024. In a related development, the mainstay skipper Ajinkya Rahane has been confirmed as the skipper for the all-important encounter.

The news was disclosed by Mumbai Cricket Association Chairman, Sanjay Patil on Sunday, August 04. Patil expressed that going with Ajinkya Rahane as skipper, given he is available, is a no-brainer. According to him, the team's preparations for the upcoming domestic season are in full swing. They engaged in a two-week preparatory camp at KSCA's Alur facility “Three Ovals”, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The upcoming Irani Cup may also see the incoming of ace opener Prithvi Shaw, who is also featuring in the One-Day Cup for Northamptonshire.

Veteran India and Mumbai cricketer Ajinkya Rahane is currently in England, plying his trade in the One-Day Cup with Leicestershire. Owing to this commitment, Rahane won't be available to play in the Buchi Babu Tournament, as Sarfaraz Khan has been granted the captaincy position by the association's Senior Selection Committee. Shams Mulani, vice-captain for Ranji Trophy last season, too won't be taking part in the tournament, however, the all-rounder is expected to return for the Irani Cup.

Read Here: Sarfaraz Khan given Mumbai captaincy for domestic tournament

“There is no question of who will be captain if Ajinkya is available, but in his absence we should be ready with options and currently Sarfaraz is the senior-most and a Test player,” Patil told Mid-Day, a local daily.

Apart from being the captain, Sarfaraz is the only player in the announced squad to have played Test cricket. Player of the Tournament from Ranji season Tanush Kotian is also in the team. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz's brother Musheer Khan is another inclusion in the 17-member team.