Ashwin, Vijay, Karthik in Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy squad

Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, discarded Test opener Murali Vijay and wicket-keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik were Wednesday named in a strong Tamil Nadu team for the Ranji Trophy cricket tournament, which begins on November 1.

At first glance, the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy side may be mistaken for a second string Indian Test side or at worst a touring India A team formed to gauge the conditions before the real deal begins. For it includes Indian cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin, Dinesh Karthik, Murali Vijay and the likes of Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, who are looking for that one good season to again come back in the mix.

Shankar, who led Tamil Nadu last season has been relieved of his responsibilities. He will be replaced by Baba Indrajith.  

Medium-pacer S Abhishek Tanwar is the new face in the Ranji squad.

The 27-year old had a good outing for Madurai Panthers in the third edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League held recently.

The team will be missing the services of left-arm paceman T Natarajan and right-arm medium-pacer K Vignesh, who sustained injuries recently but all eyes will be on Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik both of whom lost their test spots after the first phase of the England tour.

With Saha yet to regain full fitness, Karthik is certain to fly to Australia as the backup of Rishabh Pant. Vijay, who had a prolific debut season for English County side Essex after being axed from the Test side, will look to grab the third opener’s spot.

Coming back to the TN side, the fast bowling unit will consist of M Mohammed, J Kousik, Tanwar and R Rohit.

Ashwin leads a spin attack that also includes the experienced Rahil Shah and the young R Sai Kishore, apart from Washington Sundar.

State selection panel chief S Sharath and captain Indrajith said it was a well-balanced team which was capable of doing well.

"It is a balanced team and we have all the bases covered. They will do well," Sharath told PTI.

Meanwhile, Indrajith said it was well-balanced squad the selectors had picked, adding the presence of Test stars Ashwin, Vijay and Dinesh Karthik provides a lot of experience.

"It is a good all-round side and a balanced one. I am confident we will do well.

Ashwin's presence gives the team a boost and along with Rahil Shah and Washington Sundar, gives the spin department a strong look," he said.

Tamil Nadu begins its campaign against Madhya Pradesh at Dindigul on November 1.

Team: B Indrajith (Captain), M Kaushik Gandhi, Abhinav Mukund, M Vijay, Vijay Shankar, B Aparajith, Dinesh Karthik, N Jagadeesan, M S Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, R Sai Kishore, Rahil S Shah, M Mohammed, J Kousik, R Rohit, S Abhishek Tanwar.