Mohit Sharma is fit and ready to perform in the Buchi Babu tournament

The upcoming edition of the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Cricket Tournament to be held in Chennai will be contested between the 12 teams, across various grounds between September 2 and September 15. The domestic tournament will see TNCA President’s XI, TNCA City XI and TNCA Districts XI adding some local flavour and spice. Many of the big names of Indian cricket will be representing their respective teams in an opportunity to showcase their talent to earn a call-up to the national team. Former Indian pacer Mohit Sharma is one of the names who is fit and ready to perform in the local domestic tournament.

Mohit last donned the colours of the Men in Blue in the home series against the Proteas in 2015, which India lost 3-2 after a thrilling series. He had a bad run in that series as and leaked plenty of runs. The Haryana medium-pacer has had his struggles with injuries as well, however, the pacer admits that he is completely fit and wishes to have a great outing in the tournament, which also promises to provide him with an opportunity to show the results of his training in the past few years.

“This tournament means a lot because it happens at the start of the season. We get enough match practice and it helps us prepare better for the season. I also have fond memories of playing the tournament as a 16-year-old in the initial days of my career. So, there is personal attachment too,” Mohit was quoted by Sportstar.

I am fully fit now

The fast bowler claims that he is been training hard in the nets to regain proper fitness as he has not taken the field for almost three months. “But there is nothing to worry, I have been training with Amit Tyagi (Haryana’s physiotherapist) to keep fit. There were niggles after the IPL which needed to heal. I am fully fit now,” he added.

However, Mohit was also shocked after his non-selection in the coming edition of the Duleep Trophy starting from September 7. “It obviously doesn’t feel good, especially when you are fit. I am working hard on my bowling and fielding, hopefully I can make a comeback soon.” added the pacer.

Raina bhai is hard working

Sharma also praised left-hand batsman Suresh Raina, who is also part of the Buchi Babu tournament and credited his leadership skills as one of the best. “When I heard Raina bhai is also coming here, I got a feeling that the tournament will be interesting. He is a hard working cricketer and I have been working out my plans too. Hopefully, we both can make an impact,” Sharma said.

“He is one guy who will bring the best out in you. Both on and off the field, he provides a lot of confidence to his teammates. It is important for a skipper to pass on confidence to his players,” he concluded.