Irfan Pathan to lead Baroda in Ranji Trophy 2017-18

The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) today announced the 14-man squad for the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy. The team placed in Group C will play six league matches and their performance there will determine if they advance to the quarter-finals. Irfan Pathan will lead the young team into the tournament once again with Deepak Hooda as his deputy.

Yusuf Pathan is another key cog in the team as they will attempt to change their fortunes after a dismal last season. The team has a lot to accomplish and they have a new coach with the team this time in Atul Bedade, a former Baroda cricketer who played 13 ODIs for the Indian team.

All eyes will be on Irfan when he takes the field as the all-rounder has spent a lot of time on his fitness as he looks leaner and fitter than ever, eager to make a mark. He wants to give it all this season and is focused on taking the team forward in the tournament.

“This is a very important season for me. I want to give my all. At the same time, the focus is on doing well for Baroda and take the team forward. That’s my aim,” he said while talking to PTI.

As has been the latest fitness trend among cricketers the 32-year-old also took the YoYo test and scored 16. “I am in a much better space than last year. The pre-season training has been satisfying and I don’t remember the last time I felt fitter. Baroda trainer took my YoYo test recently and I scored 16, which is pretty satisfying,” Irfan added.

Along with the younger Pathan, Yusuf would also want to make this domestic season count as he had an average IPL last season with the Kolkata Knight Riders and the big man has built up well during the practice games and looks set to explode once the season kicks off.

Another folk who will draw attention is Hooda, who was recently a part of the India Blue team that played the final of the Duleep Trophy. He scored a hundred in the tournament opener but had three quiet outings after that. It is an important season for him as well.

Baroda Squad for the Ranji Trophy 2017-18:

Irfan Pathan (C), Deepak Hooda (VC), Yusuf Pathan, Kedar Devdhar, Aditya Wadhmode, Vishnu Solanki, Pinal Shah (wk), Swapnil Singh, Rishi Arothe, Babasafi Khan Pathan, Soaeb Tai, Lukman Meriwala, Atit Sethi, Mitesh Patel

Coach: Atul Bedade

Assistant coach: Himanshu Jadha

Baroda Fixtures

Madhya Pradesh vs Baroda, Group C – Oct 06, Fri – Oct 09 Mon | 9:30 AM

Baroda vs Andhra, Group C – Oct 14, Sat – Oct 17, Tue | 9:30 AM

Baroda vs Tripura, Group C – Nov 01, Wed – Nov 04, Sat | 9:30 AM

Mumbai vs Baroda, Group C – Nov 09, Thu – Nov 12, Sun | 9:30 AM

Baroda vs Odisha, Group C – Nov 17, Fri – Nov 20, Mon | 9:30 AM

Tamil Nadu vs Baroda, Group C – Nov 25, Sat – Nov 28, Tue | 9:30 AM