Tendulkar to lead Mumbai in Irani Trophy

Sachin Tendulkar, who last led Mumbai four years, will captain the side against the Rest of India in the Irani Trophy match to be played from September 18-22. The decision was taken by the Mumbai cricket Association selection committee after they spoke to Tendulkar, who is currently in Bangalore with the other Indian probables.

Ratnaker Shetty, the MCA joint secretary, said, "The Irani Trophy being a very crucial match before the home series against the visiting New Zealand, we wanted the best side and the best man to lead. Moreover, Mumbai does not have a very experienced player to lead the side, apart from leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule and Ajit Agarkar, who are still very young."

According to Shetty, "With Sachin leading the side for the Irani Trophy, others can learn a trick or two which will help during the sides Ranji Trophy campaign later."

It's the first time in years that the Irani Trophy has been taken so seriously, with almost all the contenders for national team selection part of the mix.