Sarfaraz, Jurel set to be released from India squad for Irani Cup

Middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel and pacer Yash Dayal will be released from the Indian team for the Irani Cup if they are not selected in the playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh, starting September 27 in Kanpur. The BCCI on Tuesday announced the Rest of India squad, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, which will take on reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in Lucknow on October 1-5. “Dhruv Jurel and Yash Dayal have been selected in the Rest of India squad and their participation is subject to them not being involved in the second Test,” said the BCCI statement.

Sources said that in case wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant suffers any niggle during the Test, KL Rahul can fill up for him. Sarfaraz will play for Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, if he does not figure in the playing XI for the second Test. “Sarfaraz Khan who has been retained in the Team India squad for the 2nd Test, will be released to represent the Mumbai team subject to him not being involved in the second Test,” added the BCCI statement.

The Irani Cup match will also mark Mumbai all-rounder Shardul Thakur’s return to First-Class cricket after surgery. Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian are expected to play for Mumbai. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube won’t be playing for Mumbai as they would have to report in Gwalior for the T20I series against Bangladesh starting October 6.

The Rest of India squad also has Ishan Kishan, who was not given a central contract last season for ignoring the BCCI’s directive to play domestic cricket. Kishan recently scored a hundred in Duleep Trophy.