The sensational young batting star of Mumbai, Sarfaraz Khan has smashed a double ton in the ongoing Irani Cup 2024. In the match against the Rest of India, the batter went on to hit 221 runs in 276 balls including 25 boundaries and four sixes. His innings was a message to the selectors ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
The game started on October 1 with ROI winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. At first it seemed like the decision was fantastic as Mukesh Kumar dismantled the Mumbai top order. However, when Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer came to the crease, the decision soon turned into regret for skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. They started smashing the bowlers and formed a partnership of around 100 runs with each scoring a half-century.
While Rahane scored 97 runs off 234 balls including seven boundaries and one six, Iyer scored 57 runs including six boundaries and two sixes. By the end of day 2, Mumbai scored 536 runs at the loss of nine wickets. Tanush Kotian, the lower order batter has also scored 64 runs off 124 balls including six boundaries.
Skipper Ajinka Rahane's terrific show with the bat steals heart
Ahead of the New Zealand series, Ajinkya Rahane scored a blistering half-century sending a wake-up message to the selectors who ignored the world class player during the Test series against Bangladesh. Rahane's stamina and techniques are still the best for red-ball cricket but the selectors have been ignoring him for a while now.
Apart from Rahane, Mukesh Kumar's thrilling four wicket haul against Mumbai was also exciting to watch as he swung the new ball and didn't allow the batters to settle in. He has proven to be one of the best bowlers in the domestic set-up and can do wonders if given a chance in the Indian team. Now that Mohammed Shami might miss the Border-Gavaslar Trophy 2024, selectors might think of giving a chance to Mukesh Kumar in his place.
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