KKR's Former IPL Player Appointed Indian Team Coach For Irani Cup 2026

KKR star to coach Rest of India [Source: AFP]Laxmi Ratan Shukla has been appointed as the batting coach of the Rest of India cricket team. The former KKR cricketer, who was there with the Purple and Gold Brigade between 2008 and 2013, will be linking with the squad for the upcoming 2026 edition of the Irani Cup next month. The BCCI has already announced the entire ‘Rest of India’ squad for the prestigious one-off first-class fixture, set to be hosted by the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar between October 1 and October 5. KKR champion to coach Rest of India teamLaxmi Ratan Shukla has been appointed as the batting coach of the Rest of India side for the Irani Cup 2026. Under his guidance, the Rest of India side will be taking on 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir next week.It is worth noting that Shukla will be joined by Debasish Mohanty and Milap Mewada in the team’s coaching setup. While Debasish will serve as their bowling coach, Mewada has been named as their fielding coach. Also Read- Rishabh Pant’s Captaincy Record In Red-Ball Cricket Ahead Of Irani Cup 2026His impending stint with the Rest of India side also marks Laxmi Ratan Shukla’s first coaching assignment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A good outing for the team under his guidance might open fresh opportunities for the former Bengal all-rounder in India cricket’s coaching spectrum.Shukla, a former Indian cricketer himself, has played three ODI matches for Team India way back in 1999 as a teenager. The star all-rounder has also played 47 IPL games, including 42 for the KKR franchise.Moreover, Shukla was part of the KKR squad that lifted the IPL 2012 title under the leadership of senior India cricket team’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir.Revenge on mind, Laxmi Ratan Shukla to enter first BCCI gig with Bengal experienceLaxmi Ratan Shukla has been associated with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for many years. The association even named him head coach of the Bengal cricket team in India’s domestic competitions.He has been coaching the Bengal side in the last few years. With Shukla at the helm, the Bengal cricket team even reached the semifinal of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy earlier this year, only to lose out to eventual champions Jammu and Kashmir in Kalyani by six wickets.Interestingly, Shukla’s first BCCI assignment now pits him against the same opposition that halted his Bengal’s Ranji Trophy dream just earlier this year. With revenge on his mind, the 45-year-old will be aiming to bring his entire Bengal coaching experience in a bid to help the Rest of India team to clinch the prestigious Irani Cup 2026.Laxmi Ratan Shukla to link with captain Rishabh Pant in Rest of IndiaWith Laxmi Ratan Shukla being named as Rest of India’s batting coach, the former cricketer will be expected to extensively collaborate with captain and senior wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.The BCCI named Pant as captain of the squad, and named forgotten India star Sarfaraz Khan as his deputy. Here is a look at the entire Rest of India squad for the 2026 Irani Cup match.Rest of India squad for Irani Cup 2026: Rishabh Pant (c, wk), Sanat Sangwan, Shikhar Mohan, Sudip Gharami, Sarfaraz Khan (vc), Smaran Ravichandran, Manav Suthar, Saransh Jain, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Mukesh Choudhary, Aryan Juyal [wk], Aryan Pandey, Anukul Roy and Ayush Doseja. Also Read- Watch- Nathan Ellis Grabs Sensational Catch To Embarrass David Miller After Central Contract Snub