Shikhar Mohan Shines in the Irani Cup
Yesterday, The Indian Express profiled Shikhar Mohan, highlighting his growing prominence in Jharkhand cricket.
The Irani Cup is a traditional domestic cricket fixture in India that pits the reigning Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India side. The match serves as a season opener and a platform for emerging players to press for higher honours. Shikhar Mohan, described as the "prince of Jharkhand," features in coverage by The Indian Express ahead of the contest.
The Indian Express published a profile of Jharkhand batter Shikhar Mohan on Thursday, framing the 24-year-old as a leading contender for higher honours ahead of the Irani Cup season opener. The fixture, which pits the reigning Ranji Trophy champions against a Rest of India side, begins on October 1 and has historically served as a springboard for players pushing for national selection.
Mohan finished the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season as Jharkhand's second-highest run-scorer, aggregating 582 runs at an average of 48.50. The tally included two centuries and three half-centuries, with a highest score of 158. His consistency in the middle order helped Jharkhand reach the knockout stages, reinforcing a reputation for temperament that has followed him since his age-group days.
The article traces Mohan's trajectory from the Jharkhand Under-19 setup, where he captained the side, through a brief stint with the India A programme. Coaches quoted in the piece highlight his ability to rotate strike against spin and his compact technique against the new ball—attributes considered essential for the longer format. "He reads the game a step ahead," a state-team support staff member told the newspaper, noting Mohan's habit of constructing innings around match situations rather than personal milestones.
Jharkhand's coaching staff have also entrusted him with leadership responsibilities off the field, involving him in team meetings and strategy sessions. The profile suggests this grooming is deliberate, positioning him as a future captaincy candidate should the senior leadership group transition in the coming seasons.
The Irani Cup match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow offers Mohan a platform to test his credentials against a Rest of India attack likely to feature several bowlers on the national radar. Selectors typically attend the fixture, and a substantial score here has previously accelerated call-ups for domestic performers. For Mohan, the contest represents the most high-profile assignment of his senior career to date.
While his first-class average sits above 45 after 28 matches, the next step—translating domestic volume into international opportunity—remains uncharted. The profile concludes with Mohan stating his focus remains on the immediate game, leaving the broader conversation to performances on the field.
Indian Express