Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Yash Dayal could be released from the Indian squad for the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh if they are not part of the playing XI. If released, they will participate in the Irani Cup, representing their respective teams.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sarfaraz, a middle-order batter, and Jurel, a wicket-keeper, will be part of the Rest of India squad, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, set to face Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai from October 1 to 5 in Lucknow. Yash Dayal, a fast bowler, is also in the squad, contingent upon his exclusion from the second Test.
Sarfaraz, who plays domestically for Mumbai, will rejoin his home side under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership if he is not selected for the second Test. Shardul Thakur, an all-rounder, is also set to return to first-class cricket for Mumbai in this match following his recovery from surgery. Key players such as Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian are expected to represent Mumbai in the Irani Cup.
Key Players to Miss Irani Cup for T20 Series Preparation
However, India’s T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and all-rounder Shivam Dube will miss the match, as they are required to report to Gwalior for India’s T20 series beginning on October 6. Ishan Kishan, another wicket-keeper who was left out of last season’s central contract, is part of the Rest of India squad after impressing in the Duleep Trophy with a century. Kishan might be the second wicket-keeper, following Sanju Samson, for the Bangladesh T20s if Jurel is unavailable.
The Rest of India squad does not feature Avesh Khan or Arshdeep Singh, as both are expected to be selected for the T20 series alongside Suryakumar and Dube. The Irani Cup will also give a platform for other top players, further building the domestic cricket momentum.
Rest of India squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Abhimanyu Easwaran (v-c), Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Ricky Bhui, Shashwat Rawat, Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar.
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