Rest of India wins 2026 Irani Cup by 167 runs

Rest of India secured the 2026 Irani Cup title with a 167-run victory over Jammu and Kashmir at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.

Ravichandran Smaran was the standout performer, scoring 68 in the first innings and a crucial 135 in the second to rescue Rest of India from difficult positions. His second-innings century included a vital 113-run ninth-wicket partnership with Mukesh Choudhary, setting Jammu and Kashmir a target of 279.

In the final innings, bowler Mukesh Kumar led the charge, taking 6/33 to dismantle the Jammu and Kashmir batting order. He dismissed captain Paras Dogra for a duck, contributing to a collapse that saw the opposition bowled out for just 111. Akash Deep also played a key role, claiming 3/25.

Rest of India captain Rishabh Pant, who missed the final day due to fever, praised the team's tactical adjustment to bowl a fuller line in the second innings. The victory was also marked by a celebration of Pant's 29th birthday by his teammates.