The Irani Cup doesn’t always get the buzz of the IPL or a big Test series, but make no mistake—it’s one of the most telling fixtures in the Indian domestic calendar. It’s the clash where Ranji champions test their mettle against a handpicked “Rest of India” XI, often stacked with players just one good knock (or spell) away from the national setup. This year, as Vidarbha gears up to face the Rest of India in Nagpur starting September 1, the spotlight isn’t just on the match itself but on what the squad reveals about India’s future.
Shreyas Iyer’s Test Dream Hits the Pause Button
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: Shreyas Iyer won’t be seen in whites for a while. The BCCI confirmed that Iyer has opted for a six-month break from red-ball cricket, citing recurring back spasms after his surgery. Now, on paper, it sounds like a sensible decision. Nobody wants to rush a player back into the grind of four-day matches when their body isn’t ready. But dig a little deeper, and the implications are pretty big.
Iyer was thought to be one of India’s strongest candidates to come into the Test batting unit in the shift when stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire. With that plan suddenly on hold, he loses his spot for younger players below him, and any chance to step back in is further complicated.
Rajat Patidar: From IPL Stand-In to Leadership Material
If you told someone a year ago that Rajat Patidar would be captaining Rest of India, they might’ve laughed it off. But here we are, and it’s not just a token call. The selectors clearly see Patidar as more than a reliable batter—he’s being tested as a leader. His impressive stint as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captain in IPL 2025 showed he’s got the tactical chops and calm head for the job.
What makes this move more interesting is that Patidar isn’t even a regular in India’s international setup yet. By handing him the captaincy of the Rest of India and earlier, India A, the selectors are quietly grooming him as a future leader. Add Ruturaj Gaikwad as his deputy, and suddenly you see a mini “captaincy lab” in progress.
India’s Next-Gen Batting Backups Are Shaping Up
The best part about the Rest of the India squad? A batting talent that is waiting in the wings. Yash Dhull, Shaik Rasheed, and Aryan Juyal – names that are almost household names but not quite as potent as Kohli or Gill. But they are exactly the kinds of players selectors want to expedite. All three have solid technique, temperament, and the right mix of youth and hunger.
Sure, there are other batters with better numbers in domestic cricket right now, but the selection isn’t just about stats—it’s about planning. These youngsters will gain invaluable experience by playing against Ranji champions Vidarbha, who are no pushovers. For the fans, it’s like getting a sneak peek at India’s batting bench for the next five years.
FAQs
- Why is Shreyas Iyer missing from the Rest of India squad?
Shreyas Iyer has taken a six-month break from red-ball cricket due to recurring back issues.
- Who is captaining the Rest of India team for the 2025 Irani Cup?
Rajat Patidar has been handed the leadership reins for the Rest of India side in the upcoming Irani Cup.
- Who will serve as Patidar’s deputy in the Irani Cup?
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as vice-captain.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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