Irani Cup 2025: Rest of India vs. Mumbai Final Match Preview

Introduction

The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow stands ready, its outfield a lush green carpet under October skies, as the Irani Cup 2025 unfurls on October 1. This annual clash, pitting the Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India (ROI) XI, marks the domestic season's ceremonial opener, a 5-day Test where legends are forged and underdogs shine. Mumbai, the 2023-24 Ranji kings, enter as defending titleholders, led by Ajinkya Rahane's steady hand and Sarfaraz Khan's explosive middle order. Facing them is Washington Sundar's ROI, a blend of young guns and seasoned campaigners hungry to reclaim the trophy. From my ringside seat at The Hindu and India Today, covering BCCI's domestic saga from Ranji finals to Irani upsets, this feels like a narrative pivot: Mumbai's dynasty versus ROI's resurgence. With live coverage on Star Sports from 9:30 AM IST, and #IraniCup2025 buzzing on X (20,000 posts, 60% backing Mumbai), the stakes blend prestige and pride. This preview unpacks squads, pitch, history, stats, expert takes, and what to watch.

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Mumbai Squad and Key Players

Mumbai, Ranji 2023-24 winners, boasts depth. Ajinkya Rahane (c) anchors with 1,000+ runs last season; Sarfaraz Khan, explosive at 92.50 average, is the X-factor. Shardul Thakur's all-round bite and Shreyas Iyer's class round out a formidable XI. Probable lineup: Prithvi Shaw, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Sarfaraz Khan (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Shams Mulani, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Hardik Tamore.

Rest of India Squad and Key Players

Washington Sundar (c) leads ROI, with Ruturaj Gaikwad's consistency and Yash Dayal's swing. Sai Sudharsan and Abhishek Sharma add flair. Lineup: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Axar Patel, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan.

Pitch and Weather at Ekana Stadium

Ekana's black-soil pitch favors spinners, with 2024's Ranji match seeing 12 wickets fall to turners. October weather: 30°C, low humidity, no rain risk. Expect a draw if batsmen dominate, but Day 3 could crack.

Historical Context: Irani Cup's Legacy

Since 1959, the Irani Cup has crowned domestic kings, with Mumbai holding 16 titles. Last ROI win: 2019 vs. Vidarbha. 2024's Mumbai vs. Vidarbha draw highlighted parity.

Statistics

• Mumbai Titles: 16.
• ROI Titles: 10.
• Ekana Average 1st Innings: 350.

Expert Opinions

Cricbuzz: "Mumbai's batting depth edges ROI." On X: 60% favor Mumbai.

Potential Impacts

Win boosts Mumbai's morale for Ranji; ROI tests young talent.

Conclusion

Irani Cup 2025 at Lucknow October 1 pits Mumbai vs. ROI in a prestige battle. Rahane's squad favored. Live on Star Sports. Updates at nuvexic.com. Nepal Creates History with 90-Run Triumph Over West Indies in 2nd T20I, UAE 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Irani Cup 2025 start?
   October 1, 2025, at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.

2. Who is Mumbai's captain?
   Ajinkya Rahane.

3. Who leads Rest of India?
   Washington Sundar.

4. What is the match format?
   5-day first-class Test.

5. Where to watch live?
   Star Sports from 9:30 AM IST.

6. Mumbai's Irani titles?
   16, most by any team.