Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep Lead Rest of India to Irani Cup Victory Over J&K

Rest of India claimed the Irani Cup title by defeating reigning Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs on the fourth day in Srinagar on Sunday. Chasing 279 runs, J&K needed only a draw to win by virtue of their 41-run first-innings lead, but fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep dismantled the batting order.

Mukesh Kumar delivered a standout spell, claiming 6 for 33, while Akash Deep took 3 for 25 to bowl out J&K for 111. After openers Shubham Khajuria and Qamran Iqbal gave the hosts a solid 54-run start, Mukesh struck twice before lunch with consecutive deliveries to remove Shubham Pundir and captain Paras Dogra.

J&K's collapse accelerated after lunch when Khajuria fell to Akash in the first over, triggering a sequence in which the team lost six wickets for 22 runs in nine overs. Akash's overall match performance of six wickets across 23.3 overs is expected to strengthen his case for selection in India's upcoming New Zealand tour.