Sachin Tendulkar will lead Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai in the five-day Irani Trophy cricket match against Rest of India, at Chennai, from September 18-22.

Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary, Prof Ratnakar Shetty said the selection committee, headed by former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar, spoke to Tendulkar in Bangalore on Saturday and the star batsman agreed to lead the side as it is a very important match of the new season.

"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," Shetty added.

"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.

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

Tendulkar last led Mumbai in a Ranji Trophy semi-final match four years ago, before wicket-keeper batsman Sameer Dighe took over from him.