Hardik Pandya and Mukesh Kumar [Source: AFP]The return of Hardik Pandya has been delayed once again, as per reports. In other news, Indian fast bowler Mukesh Kumar scythed through the Jammu and Kashmir line-up in the 2026 Irani Cup match.Capping an eventful day in the world of cricket, here we take a look at five of the biggest cricketing news that emerged out of Sunday, October 4. Mukesh Kumar runs riot as Rest of India win Irani Cup 2026The Rest of India team decimated Jammu and Kashmir by 167 runs to win the prestigious Irani Cup 2026 in Srinagar. Defending 279 runs for a win, Team India discard Mukesh Kumar picked up six wickets in the decisive innings of the match on Day 4 at an expense of just 33 runs in his 10.4 overs. In doing so, Mukesh recorded one of his best first-class bowling figures as the Rest of India team won its first Irani Cup title in over three years.Also Read- Watch- Mukesh Kumar Demands '1 Over' From Sarfaraz Khan, Delivers Best Ball Of Irani CupThe return of Hardik Pandya delayed owing to a fresh injuryAs per reports, the return of Hardik Pandya has been delayed once again, albeit this time owing to a fresh injury. The cricketer has not played a single competitive match since the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, and last represented Team India back during the 2026 T20 World Cup earlier this year. The report indicates that the legendary all-rounder will be out of action for at least six to eight additional weeks due to discomfort in his right calf. Marnus Labuschagne returns to form with thunderous tonMarnus Labuschagne gained some much-needed form before Australia’s all-important Test series against hosts South Africa. The struggling top-order batter struck a rebellious 111 off 89 balls with 19 boundaries against Cricket South Africa Invitation XI on Day 2 of their two-day tour match at Potchefstroom.Labuschagne top-scored in the Australian innings as the two-day match ended with a drawn result.Prithvi Shaw replaces Ruturaj Gaikwad as Maharashtra captainTeam India discard Prithvi Shaw has been named as captain of the Maharashtra cricket team for their opening match of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. The cricketer will be replacing regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who will be leading the India A team in their unofficial ODI series against Australia in Puducherry at the time.Kainat Imtiaz announces retirement from international cricketPakistan fast bowler Kainat Imtiaz has announced her retirement from international cricket. The speedster was part of the Pakistan team that won the gold medal at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games in China and South Korea respectively.Kainat played 40 matches in her international career, picking up 18 wickets in the process at a combined bowling average of 37.61. Also Read- Bangladesh All Out For 234 In Practice Match Vs UAE Ahead Of Afghanistan Test
