Rishabh Pant named Rest of India captain for Irani Cup
The BCCI has appointed Rishabh Pant to lead the Rest of India squad against Ranji Trophy champions Jammu & Kashmir. This follows Pant's exclusion from the ODI squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Rishabh Pant as the captain of the Rest of India team for the Irani Cup 2026-27, a decision that follows his omission from the national ODI squad for the upcoming West Indies series. The announcement, made on September 16, 2026, underscores Pant’s role as a key figure in domestic cricket despite his exclusion from the international setup.
Pant’s Captaincy Amid ODI Snub
Pant, the India wicketkeeper-batter, was left out of the 15-member ODI squad for the three-match series against the West Indies, with Dhruv Jurel selected as the primary wicketkeeper. This decision, which sparked discussions about Pant’s form and fitness, led to his appointment as captain of the Rest of India team for the Irani Cup. The move provides Pant with an opportunity to regain his rhythm in red-ball cricket, as the tournament is scheduled to take place between October 1 and 5 in Srinagar, pitting Rest of India against Ranji Trophy champions Jammu & Kashmir.
The Rest of India squad, announced by the BCCI, includes Pant as both captain and wicketkeeper, with Sarfaraz Khan named as vice-captain. The team features a mix of experienced domestic players and emerging talents, including Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, and Aryan Juyal, who will serve as the second wicketkeeper. Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Mukesh Choudhary are also part of the 15-member squad, with Akash Deep subject to fitness clearance.
Irani Cup Context and Opponent
Jammu & Kashmir, the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions, will face Rest of India in the Irani Cup. The state team’s victory was secured through a dominant first-innings performance in the final, where they posted 584 runs and later declared at 342/4, setting a formidable target for Karnataka. Shubham Pundir, Qamran Iqbal, and Sahil Lotra were instrumental in the win, with Pundir scoring 121 and Iqbal remaining unbeaten on 160. The match, which ended in a draw, marked Jammu & Kashmir’s first Ranji Trophy title, highlighting their strong domestic campaign.
The Irani Cup, a historic tournament featuring the Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India XI, will take place during a busy period for Indian cricket. The BCCI’s decision to schedule the match alongside India’s ODI series against the West Indies and the Asian Games in Japan means that several high-profile players will be unavailable. This context adds significance to Pant’s leadership role, as he will guide a squad of domestic players in a competitive environment.
ODI Squad and Domestic Implications
The BCCI’s ODI squad for the West Indies series, led by Shubman Gill, includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul as vice-captain. New faces Auqib Nabi and Naman Dhir have been included, reflecting the selectors’ focus on balancing experience with fresh talent. Pant’s exclusion from this squad has raised questions about his future in the white-ball format, particularly after his underwhelming performance in the 2024 ODI series against Sri Lanka and his recent IPL campaign.
The ODI series, scheduled from September 27 to October 3, will see India play three matches in Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh. The T20I series, comprising five matches, will follow from October 6 to 17. The BCCI’s decision to retain Rohit Sharma and Kohli, despite their age, signals a cautious approach ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the selectors prioritizing stability over experimentation.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Rest of India Squad for Irani Cup | Rishabh Pant [C, WK], Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan [VC], Smaran Ravichandran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep*, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal [WK], Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy, Ayush Doseja. |
| Irani Cup Match Dates | October 1–5, 2026, in Srinagar. |
| West Indies ODI Series Dates | September 27–October 3, 2026. |
| Ranji Trophy Champions | Jammu & Kashmir, after defeating Karnataka in the 2025-26 final. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Rishabh Pant left out of the ODI squad?
Pant was omitted from the ODI squad for the West Indies series, with Dhruv Jurel selected as the wicketkeeper. The decision reflects the BCCI’s focus on maintaining a consistent white-ball setup, despite Pant’s leadership role in the Irani Cup.
What is the significance of the Irani Cup in Indian cricket?
The Irani Cup is a historic tournament that pits the Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India XI. It provides a platform for domestic players to showcase their skills and serves as a crucial part of India’s cricketing calendar, especially during international breaks.
How does the Irani Cup schedule align with other tournaments?
The Irani Cup is scheduled from October 1–5, 2026, overlapping with India’s ODI series against the West Indies and the Asian Games. This alignment limits the availability of top-tier players, emphasizing the role of domestic talent in the tournament.
The BCCI’s announcement highlights the complex interplay between domestic and international cricket, with Pant’s captaincy serving as a strategic move to maintain his involvement in high-stakes matches. As the Irani Cup approaches, the focus will shift to how Pant and the Rest of India squad perform against a formidable Jammu & Kashmir side, with implications for their domestic and international careers.
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