Irani Cup 2026: Jammu & Kashmir vs Rest Of India Highlights & Review – Day 1

The Irani Cup 2026 got off to a fantastic start at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Srinagar, as Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) opted to field after winning the toss against the Rest of India (ROI). Day 1 of the contest, played on Thursday, October 01, was dominated by the hosts, as they bundled the Rishabh Pant-led side for just 237 in 68.1 overs. They added 21-2 to their first innings' total, trailing by 216 at Stumps.

Top Batting Performances of Day 1: Shikhar Mohan and R. Smaran

Jharkhand's Shikhar Mohan was promoted in the batting order, having been given the opportunity to open for the first time in red-ball cricket. The youngster grabbed the opportunity with both hands, smashing an impressive 60 off 118, a knock that was laced with nine fours and a six as well. He was dismissed by Nasir Muzaffar in the 33rd over. 

Apart from Shikhar Mohan, the only batter to cross the fifty-run mark was Ravichandran Smaran, the southpaw from Karnataka. The attacking left-handed batter played a counterattacking knock of 68 while facing 83 deliveries and helped the Rest of India take the scoreboard total in the first innings beyond 200. He was also the highest run-getter of the innings before falling prey to Muzaffar.

Top Bowling Performances of Day 1: Umar Nazir, Nasir Muzaffar, and Sunil Kumar

It was a complete bowling show by Jammu & Kashmir's bowlers, as all of their bowlers joined the wicket-taking party. Sunil Kumar drew the first blood in the form of Sanat Sangwan and later also sent Manan Suthar and Mukesh Kumar packing to finish with a three-wicket haul.

Apart from him, Nasir Muzaffar also picked up three, with two being of Shikhar and Smaran. Sudip Kumar Gharami was also trapped by him on the second ball of the eleventh over. Bowling a tight spell of thirteen overs on the first day, Muzaffar's figures read 3-59 at the end of the innings. 

Umar Nazir Mir picked a couple of wickets as well. His wickets were probably the most significant ones for the Paras Dogra-led team, as they came in the form of Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, India's Test regulars' departure. 

What's next in the Irani Cup 2026?

After an eventful opening day of the premier red-ball championship, a promising cricketing action is on the cards in the second day of the contest, which is being played in Srinagar for the first time. While the reigning Ranji Trophy champions will be looking to cross the Rest of India's total, Pant & Co. will be eyeing to bundle them out under 237 and gain an all-important first-innings' lead in the five-day encounter.