Published On : Fri, Jun 17th, 2016

U-23 hopefuls vie for Vidarbha Ranji Trophy selection

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Ranji Trophy

Representational pic

 

Nagpur: Over the years, Dr MN Dorairajan cricket tournament has grown in stature and probably has become selection trials for Vidarbha Ranji Trophy as well as Under-23 teams. Local cricketers are looking forward as a chance to stake their claim in the Vidarbha team which is going to be started from 18th June. The much-awaited seventh edition of the meet is scheduled to start from Friday. It will see participation of twelve teams divided into two groups.

The previous seasons saw top performers from the tournament being considered directly for selection trials of Under-23 and Ranji Trophy teams. The fixtures are closely watched not only by VCA selectors but also by Ranji Trophy team’s coach Paras Mhambrey. In the preceding editions, players like Sachin Kataria, Sumit Ruikar, Dharmendra Ahlawat, Ramaswamy Sanjay and others got there wards after excelling in the meet. Looking at the importance of the tournament, the sidelined players and the ones in contention will look to staging their best act in the upcoming three-day league games.

This season the wicket-keepers will have a task at hand. Six stumpers, Jitesh Sharma, Akshay Wadkar, Aniruddha Chore, Amol Ubarhande, Amit Paunikar, who got NOC from Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) and Dharmendra Ahlawat, will fight it out for two spots in Ranji Trophy squad this season. Since, Sharma looks confirmed after his stint with Mumbai Indians and impressive display last season, five keepers will eye one spot on offer. The VCA talent hunters will also be searching for good opener to accompany Faiz Fazal in the upcoming season.

The likes of R Sanjay, Sachin Kataria and Akshay Kolhar are in the fray. However, selectors will have their eye on the experienced Amit Paunikar and Aniruddha Chore who can also field besides keeping wickets. The medium pacers and spinners slots are almost booked with experienced campaigners doing their best. Any one among Rajneesh Gurbani, Shubham Kapse, Suniket Bingewar, Siddesh Neral and Jasbir Kumar Saini would be in the line of contention.