Irani Trophy 2024: 5 Players To Watch Out For In Mumbai Vs Rest Of India Match

Shreyas Iyer will be a player to watch out for in Irani Trophy [Source: @ShreyasIyer15/X]Shreyas Iyer will be a player to watch out for in Irani Trophy [Source: @ShreyasIyer15/X]

The Irani Cup 2024 is set to be a thrilling contest as the Ranji Trophy champions, Mumbai, take on the star-studded Rest of India squad. This one-off match, beginning on October 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, will be an opportunity for several players to showcase their mettle and catch the attention of selectors.

As always, the game will feature some of the country's top talents, many of whom are in fine form following their Duleep Trophy performances. Let's take a closer look at the top five players to watch out for in Irani Cup 2024.

5. Ricky Bhui (Rest of India)

Ricky Bhui [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Ricky Bhui [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Ricky Bhui has been knocking on the door of the national selectors for a while, but he hasn't quite made the breakthrough yet. The 27-year-old, however, seems to be a man on a mission. With a stellar showing in the Duleep Trophy, where he was the leading run-scorer (359 runs) and notched two centuries, Bhui has placed himself firmly in the reckoning.

To top it off, he was named Player of the Match in India D's final game against India B. He also was the leading run-scorer of the Ranji Trophy 2024 with 902 runs in 8 matches with four tons.

Bhui has been flying under the radar for too long, but if he continues to bat the way he has been, he could very well make the selectors sit up and take notice. His leg-spin adds another string to his bow, making him an all-round threat. Bhui could prove to be the tournament's dark horse, quietly waiting in the wings, ready to steal the show.

4. Mukesh Kumar (Rest of India)

Mukesh Kumar [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Mukesh Kumar [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Mukesh Kumar’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The pacer was part of India's Test squad earlier this year but lost his spot before the series against Bangladesh. Nevertheless, instead of hanging his head, Mukesh responded with fire and brimstone in the Duleep Trophy, picking up 15 wickets and finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker.

His hunger to reclaim his spot in the national setup is evident, and the Irani Cup offers him the perfect platform to continue his rich vein of form. Mukesh's four-wicket haul in the final game of the Duleep Trophy may not have won his team the title, but it certainly showed his ability to perform under pressure.

The pacer must keep his foot on the gas as the selectors keep an eye on him for the upcoming Australia series. The Irani Cup is his first step toward redemption.

3. Ishan Kishan (Rest of India)

Ishan Kishan [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Ishan Kishan [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Ishan Kishan is a player who never shies away from the spotlight. Known for his explosive batting in white-ball cricket, Kishan has been gradually working his way into the red-ball setup.

With a century in the Duleep Trophy under his belt, Kishan will be eager to extend his dominance into the longer format. His glovework behind the stumps has also been top-notch, making him a key player for the Rest of India.

Kishan is at a crossroads in his career, and this game could be a turning point. A standout performance in the Irani Cup could propel him back into the Test team conversation, especially with India's upcoming international assignments.

2. Abhimanyu Easwaran (Rest of India)

Abhimanyu Easwaran [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Abhimanyu Easwaran [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Abhimanyu Easwaran’s story is about persistence and patience. The 29-year-old has been on the edge of the Indian team for a while now but has not quite broken through. Easwaran's form in the Duleep Trophy was exceptional, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 316 runs, including two centuries.

His ability to anchor the innings and bat for long periods makes him a perfect candidate for the Irani Cup. Easwaran's last Ranji season, where he scored 337 runs in just three innings, further highlighted his knack for big scores.

A solid performance in the Irani Cup could cement his position as one of India's most reliable red-ball batters, bringing him a step closer to a Test call-up. For Easwaran, the Irani Cup might just be the stage where he proves that good things come to those who wait.

1. Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai)

All eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer, the man with the golden touch. Iyer has experienced his fair share of highs and lows recently, from being removed from the BCCI's central contract to leading India D in the Duleep Trophy.

Despite a shaky start in the tournament, he found his rhythm and ended with two half-centuries. Iyer's aggressive approach can be a double-edged sword, but his sheer talent is uquestionable.

A strong showing in the Irani Cup could do wonders for Iyer's chances of re-entering the Test squad. His leadership and batting will be under the scanner as the Mumbai batter looks to silence his critics and make a case for himself in the longer format. The batter knows that the Irani Cup could be his golden ticket back to Test cricket – all he needs to do is strike while the iron is hot.