Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Yash Dayal Released From India Squad To Participate in Upcoming Irani Cup

On the eve of the Irani Cup 2024, BCCI announced that the Indian team shall be releasing the likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal in order to allow the players to partake in the Irani Cup competitions for their respective teams.

Sarfaraz, who missed out on a place in the playing XI of both Test matches against Bangladesh, will rejoin Mumbai, will join the ranks of a Mumbai side led by veteran Ajinkya Rahane.

The addition of 26-year-old Sarfaraz, who has 4183 runs to his name from the 50 First-Class matches he has played so far, will add strength to Mumbai’s batting unit, which is all set to have the likes of Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Prithvi Shaw.

Sarfaraz’ younger brother, Musheer Khan, who was expected to join the squad as well, will also be out of action for at least 16 weeks after being involved in a horrifying accident last Friday.

In addition to Sarfaraz, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and bowler Yash Dayal also have been released by the BCCI as both players shall rejoin the ranks of the Rest of India (ROI) squad.

Dhruv Jurel will be competing with Ishan Kishan to nab the wicketkeeper spot away from the youngster. While Ishan Kishan made his Test debut before Jurel, the latter has firmly established himself during India’s series against England, and may stand a chance in getting the nod over Kishan.

Yash Dayal, on the other hand, will be most likely expected to lead the pace attack. His inclusion as a left-arm pacer adds variety to the line-up, while Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna are likely to join him as the other fast bowlers.

Leading the charge for ROI will be Ruturaj Gaikwad, with vice-captain Abhimanyu Easwaran by his side, as the duo look to make a strong case for being India’s backup openers in the longest format.

2023-24 Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai will face Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ROI team at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium from October 1-5.