J&Ok eye uncommon home double as Rishabh Pant-led Remainder of India arrive for Irani Cup showdown

Recent from scripting historical past with their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, Jammu & Kashmir now stand on the edge of one other landmark achievement. Internet hosting the largest match within the state’s home cricket historical past, J&Ok will look to finish a uncommon double after they tackle a formidable Remainder of India aspect, led by India’s Take a look at vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, within the Irani Cup at Srinagar’s picturesque Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium from Thursday.

The J&Ok Cricket Affiliation has allowed free, although restricted, entry for spectators, and the house aspect can anticipate robust backing from a crowd of round 3,000.

But, regardless of its conventional status, the Irani Cup has struggled for consideration this yr amid a crowded calendar. India’s T20 squad is on the Asian Video games, one other nationwide aspect is engaged in an ODI collection in opposition to the West Indies, whereas a number of fringe gamers are representing India A in opposition to Australia A in Puducherry. Consequently, a fixture as soon as considered as a key audition for India’s Take a look at group has misplaced a few of its relevance, serving largely as beneficial red-ball preparation for Pant.

Whereas Pant’s presence will draw the highlight, the selectors and group administration shall be equally fascinated about Akash Deep’s comeback. The Bengal pacer returns after seven months on the sidelines attributable to lower-back stress fracture. The damage interrupted a promising Take a look at profession, highlighted by his match haul of 10-187 in India’s thumping win over England at Edgbaston in July 2025.

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