Mukesh, Akash Destroy J&K to Secure Irani Cup Glory
Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep dismantle Jammu and Kashmir to secure a 167-run victory and lift the Irani Cup in Srinagar.
In a clinical display of pace bowling, Rest of India clinched the 2026-27 Irani Cup with a commanding 167-run victory over the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, Jammu and Kashmir. The triumph, sealed on the fourth day in Srinagar, was fueled by a devastating bowling spell from Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, who combined to tear through the J&K batting lineup.
Mukesh Kumar’s Masterclass in Srinagar
The headline of the match was undoubtedly Mukesh Kumar’s sensational performance. Returning to devastating form, Mukesh claimed figures of 6/33, marking his 11th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. His spell was the catalyst for a massive collapse in the Jammu and Kashmir second innings, as he dismantled the middle and lower order with precision.
Akash Deep, making a significant comeback to competitive cricket, provided the perfect foil. His contribution of 3/25 ensured that J&K, chasing a target of 279, were bundled out for a mere 111 runs.
The Collapse: From Confidence to Chaos
Jammu and Kashmir appeared to be in a strong position early in their chase. Openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal looked steady, putting on a 54-run partnership that gave the home side hope of securing the trophy with a draw. However, the momentum shifted violently when the Rest of India pacers took control.
The turning points included:
- Akash Deep breaking the opening stand by trapping Qamran Iqbal LBW.
- Mukesh Kumar striking twice in the 15th over just before lunch, removing Shubham Pundir and captain Paras Dogra in successive deliveries.
- A catastrophic middle-order meltdown where J&K lost six wickets for just 22 runs in a span of nine overs.
By the time the dust settled, J&K had slumped from a comfortable position to being all out for 111, handing the title to Rest of India.
Smaran’s Heroics Set the Stage
While the bowlers took the headlines on Sunday, the foundation for this victory was laid by Ravichandran Smaran. In a match defined by shifting momentum, Smaran played a vital role with the bat, scoring a gritty 68 in the first innings and a magnificent 135 in the second. His ability to rescue Rest of India from difficult situations allowed them to overcome a 41-run first-innings deficit and set a challenging target.
A Boost for Indian Cricket Selection
Beyond the trophy, the match served as a vital litmus test for Akash Deep. Having bowled 23.3 overs across the match and claiming six wickets in total, his successful return to form comes at a crucial time. With the Indian team preparing for an upcoming tour of New Zealand, Akash's fitness and ability to perform under pressure will undoubtedly catch the eye of national selectors.
Earlier in the match, Jammu and Kashmir had fought hard to restrict Rest of India to 319 in their second innings, with Umar Nazir, Sunil Kumar, and Sahil Lotra each claiming three wickets. However, it was not enough to stop the relentless charge of the Rest of India bowling unit.