J&K eye rare domestic double as Rishabh Pant-led Rest of India arrive for Irani Cup showdown

Fresh from scripting history with their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, Jammu & Kashmir now stand on the threshold of another landmark achievement. Hosting the biggest match in the state’s domestic cricket history, J&K will look to complete a rare double when they take on a formidable Rest of India side, led by India’s Test vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, in the Irani Cup at Srinagar’s picturesque Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium from Thursday.The J&K Cricket Association has allowed free, though restricted, entry for spectators, and the home side can expect strong backing from a crowd of around 3,000.Yet, despite its traditional prestige, the Irani Cup has struggled for attention this year amid a crowded calendar. India’s T20 squad is at the Asian Games, another national side is engaged in an ODI series against the West Indies, while several fringe players are representing India A against Australia A in Puducherry. As a result, a fixture once viewed as a key audition for India’s Test team has lost some of its relevance, serving largely as valuable red-ball preparation for Pant.While Pant’s presence will draw the spotlight, the selectors and team management will be equally interested in Akash Deep’s comeback. The Bengal pacer returns after seven months on the sidelines due to lower-back stress fracture. The injury interrupted a promising Test career, highlighted by his match haul of 10-187 in India’s thumping win over England at Edgbaston in July 2025.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.