Ranji Trophy 2017-18: 5 Players who will be eager to make a national comeback

Ranji Trophy, the most followed domestic tournament in India, is all set to commence from Saturday (October 6) under the new format proposed by BCCI. The premier first-class competition is the best way to find a way back into the Indian cricket team as the selectors keep an eye every year on the consistent performances from the players. More often than not the potential of the cricketer is decided by the way he plays in the first-class tournament.

Thus many ousted cricketers from the national team train hard for this tournament and impress the selectors on the back of some excellent knocks or hauls. This year too, there are some players who would look to get back into national contention. Virat Kohli led top-ranked Indian team in ODIs and Tests is scheduled to travel for the most part of the next year as they embark on South Africa tour in January. Though the core of the team is almost finalised, the skipper and coach would need the backup players on the tour.

Here we bring you 5 players who would be eager to get the national call-up by performing exceedingly well in the Ranji Trophy:

1. Gautam Gambhir (Delhi)

The left-hander last played for India during the long home season in 2016 against England in Rajkot. He had impressed in the couple of Test matches he played but was axed once the preferred players were back from injury. However, Gambhir would love to perform to his potential in the tournament as he opens the innings for his state Delhi.

This year he has been relieved of the captaincy and he will look to play freely. His contribution to the side has been immense and his experience would be useful for Delhi this year. Also, he would be under observation of the selectors as India might look for an opener of his stature in conditions like South Africa, England and Australia.

2. Jaydev Unadkat (Saurashtra)

The dearth of left-arm pace bowlers in India is a known fact to everyone and they have been searching for such a bowler since Zaheer Khan’s retirement. Jaydev Unadkat is the only active and performing players in the domestic circuit right now. He is the most likely bowler to be picked if he wrecks havoc with the ball and back his performances in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.

He played for Rising Pune Supergiant and was superb right through the season as he finished the second highest wicket-taker of the tournament. He represents Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy and will be playing alongside Cheteshwar Pujara who will lead the team.

3. Yuvraj Singh (Punjab)

India’s most loved cricketer Yuvraj Singh would be itching to stamp his authority in the first-class cricket. Last time he was ignored from the national side, the left-hander had scored abundance of runs and forced the selectors to draft him into the Indian team.

This might be the final chance for him to impress them and prove his fitness along with the form. He is a fighter himself and can never be counted out of the reckoning. He would be surely eyeing the South Africa tour in January to make a rousing return at the international level.

4. Shardul Thakur (Mumbai)

Shardul Thakur is another bowler who will be under the radar of the Indian team in the near future. He made his international debut in the limited overs format against Sri Lanka recently. He impressed with his pace and looked unflustered in his early outings. But he wasn’t included in the team that faced Australia in September.

However, the youngster is making his bowling do all the talking as he scalped 3 quick wickets in the first innings against New Zealand in the 2nd unofficial Test match which India A won. Also, he had picked 27 wickets in 10 matches in the last season and would like to improve on his numbers.

5. Amit Mishra (Haryana)

Amit Mishra, the 34-year-old leggie, is trying hard to return to the highest level. He is also in contention but the cricketer failed the fitness test recently due to which he was not picked for the ‘A’ side which will face New Zealand A in the One-Dayers.

Though, he has performed whenever presented with an opportunity and now is being looked as a backup bowler to Yuzvendra Chahal. He would love to prove his mettle and his match fitness in Ranji Trophy and return to the national side on the back of some stellar performances.