Struggling to make a comeback in the Indian dressing room, batsman Yuvraj Singh has received a huge blow ahead of the upcoming season of Ranji Trophy. The 36-year-old, who has been hoping to feature in the upcoming ODI World Cup next year, has not been included in the team of Punjab.
Yuvraj played the previous season for his state under the leadership of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. But this year, a whole new bunch of youngsters have been selected to represent the state of Punjab in the biggest Indian domestic tournament. Neither Yuvraj nor Harbhajan has found a place in the team.
Batsman Mandeep Singh has been appointed as the captain Punjab in their Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra Pradesh, beginning in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. Gurkeeterat Singh Man has been named Mandeep’s deputy.
“Punjab Ranji team is a blend of youth and experience. Shubman Gill, Anmolpreet Singh, Sanvir Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Markande are the youngsters in the team. The experience will be on the shoulders of Mandeep Singh, Gurkeerat Mann, Siddharth Kaul and Barinder Sran," said Sushil Kapoor, spokesperson, Punjab Cricket Association.
The team will return to Mohali after the first match and their second encounter is against Madhya Pradesh in Indore, from November 20.
Squad:
Shubman Gill, Jeewanjot Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh (capt), Sanvir Singh, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhishek Gupta (wicket keeper), Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Markande, Arpit Pannu, Vinay Choudhary, Siddharth Kaul, Shubek Gill, Baltej Singh, Barinder Sran and Sharad Loomba.