Mukesh Kumar takes 6 for 33 as Rest of India win Irani Cup by 167 runs
Mukesh Kumar's 6 for 33 triggered a collapse as Rest of India bowled out Jammu and Kashmir for 111 to win the Irani Cup by 167 runs in Srinagar.
Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep shared nine wickets between them as Rest of India beat reigning Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs on the fourth day to clinch the Irani Cup in Srinagar on Sunday. Chasing 279, Jammu and Kashmir were bowled out for 111 in 28.4 overs. Openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal shared a 54-run stand before the collapse began after lunch.
Mukesh Kumar finished with 6 for 33 from 10.4 overs, including three wickets in the final over. Akash Deep took 3 for 25 across 23.3 overs. Mukesh ended the match with eight wickets overall. The effort will please the national management ahead of the tour to New Zealand.
Rishabh Pant led Rest of India to the title. The team adjusted their bowling lengths and hit a fuller line in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar said the decision to bowl a fuller length paid dividends after the team discussed strategy during the drinks break.
CricHubb Take
The performance strengthens both pacers' cases for New Zealand selection after extended injury lay-offs. Akash Deep's return from a lower-back stress fracture and Mukesh Kumar's consistent domestic form position them as viable options for the pace attack.