Mumbai receives major boost ahead of Irani Cup with Ajinkya Rahane leading Ranji Trophy champions

In a major boost for Mumbai, Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur will be joining the team for the upcoming Irani Trophy encounter against Rest of India in Lucknow from October 1-5. Ajinkya Rahane, who successfully led Mumbai to a Ranji Trophy triumph earlier this year, will once again be at the helm as the team's captain.

The availability of Iyer and Thakur comes as a boost for the Mumbai side, thus solidifying their depth in batting and bowling respectively. While Iyer has been a part of the Duleep Trophy matches, Thakur is coming after an ankle surgery in June. The Indian all-rounder played in the KSCA tournament and is believed to have made himself available for the five-day encounter.

Meanwhile, Iyer was the India D captain in the Duleep Trophy. Under Iyer’s captaincy, India D finished last in the points table with just one win from three games. Their only win came against India B in the third round. In six innings, Iyer could score only 154 runs including two fifties.

The stylish right-hander would be hoping to find some form in the Irani Cup tie in a bid to return to the national team. The Mumbai Cricket Association is yet to announce the squad for the Irani Cup match.