Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur and experienced batsman Ajinkya Rahane are set to feature for Mumbai in the upcoming Irani Cup, where they will take on the Rest of India (ROI) team in Lucknow, starting October 1. Shreyas Iyer is also expected to join the squad.
There is a chance that Sarfaraz Khan may be released from India's Test squad, where he is currently included in the Bangladesh series. If Sarfaraz is not selected for the second Test, which begins on September 27, the selection committee might release him by the third day to allow him to join Mumbai for the Irani Trophy. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is preparing to make a formal request to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his availability.
This will mark Shardul Thakur's first domestic match since recovering from foot surgery, which he underwent in London this June. Despite injury setbacks, Thakur played a crucial role in Mumbai's recent Ranji Trophy triumph, including scoring his maiden first-class century.
The national selection committee is expected to announce the Rest of India squad on Tuesday, which will likely feature standout performers from the Duleep Trophy and other fringe players aiming for a place in the national team.