One of the best places for Indian cricketers to hone their skills is the Ranji Trophy. The annual league trophy is the stepping stone from which players make it to the Indian national team and realise their dream of playing for the country.
This edition will start on October 6th and conclude on the 2nd of January. Here’s a look at XI Indian international cricketers who will play to make a comeback this season:
Gautam Gambhir:
Possibly the captain also of the Ranji team, Gambhir is a seasoned veteran who has won the country two World Cups in his prime. He was excellent in both those finals though he is trying to find his way back.
Murali Vijay:
A classy batsman with a technique to die for, Murali Vijay’s contribution to Tamil Nadu cricket has seen him become a mainstay for the Indian team as well.
Robin Uthappa:
After moving from Karnataka, all eyes will be on Robi Uthappa when he takes the field for Saurashtra for the first time Ranji Trophy. Uthappa is a very talented batsman and he has worked very hard on his game and fitness for this season. Many believe that, with age not on his side, this season might be his last chance to push the selectors for a place in the national squad.
Suresh Raina:
Once a very important player for the country in limited overs cricket, Raina now faces one of his most important Ranji seasons as he bids to fight for his place back in the national team as the skipper of UP.
Yuvraj Singh:
A legend for India in the limited overs format, Yuvi has not been able to find a spot in the Duleep Trophy squad. He will look to consolidate in the Ranji Trophy and show the selectors what they’re missing.
Parthiv Patel:
One of the most consistent performer at the domestic level, Parthiv Patel impressed one and all in the home season 2016/17 when he replaced injured Wriddhiman Saha. In this season, he would want to score tons of runs and put pressure on Saha.
Irfan Pathan:
The dashing Pathan will the Baroda side in this year’s Ranji Trophy. The all-rounder is very confident about his preparations and believes he can push the selectors for a comeback. Well, it’s tough to predict this but one thing is sure that he has a might uphill task ahead of him.
Amit Mishra:
Amit Mishra is no more the best leg spinner in India. Young Yuzvendra Chahal has taken over from him and Kohli prefers the young blood over good old Mishra Ji. This season will be very crucial for Mishra.
Harbhajan Singh:
The good old Sardar from Jalandhar is one of the greatest spinners in the history of the game. He led India’s bowling attack for many years but this might be his last Ranji Trophy season. He is still fit and raring to go, but age is clearly not on his side.
Ishant Sharma:
The Delhi bowler is a common sight in the Test team for India and has the ability to hit the right areas when needed. He will play for Delhi and look to pick crucial wickets.
Vinay Kumar:
The Karnataka pacer has been out of the Indian team for a long time but he is known to be one of the finest pacers from the South. He has been a constant performer at the domestic level and he will lead Karnataka’s bowling attack.
