Ravindra Jadeja to miss out on the Ranji opener

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will miss out on the season opener for Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy. Jadeja was dropped from the Indian squad for the T20 series against Australia, and it was believed that he will turn out for his state team. Under Cheteshwar Pujara’s leadership, Saurashtra will open their campaign against Haryana.

Jadeja is keen to participate in the most reputed domestic tournament in India but he will be unavailable for the first match due to a wedding in the family. This is also a good opportunity for Pujara to start the season well, he replaced Jay Shah as the skipper for the game in Lahli.

“He (Jadeja) is not available for the first game. He confirmed to us a couple of days back that it would not be possible for him to play this one,” Saurashtra coach Shitanshu Kotak told Sportstar.

The coach, however, added that Jadeja will be available for selection in the second game against Jammu and Kashmir, to be played in Rajkot from October 14. “He will join the team then. That’s how the plan is till now,” Kotak said.

Robin Uthappa seeks fresh start

Robin Uthappa, who made a switch from Karnataka this season, will be eager to do well for Saurashtra. “The senior selection committee meeting of Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) was held today. They selected 15 members for the first game. Pujara has been named as captain and Robin Uthappa will play for Saurashtra this season”, Himanshu Shah, SCA media manager told PTI.

“Jaydev Shah, who has been captaining Saurashtra since over last one decade will miss the opening game due to his marriage, which is on October 5,” added Shah.

Saurashtra squad for the first game:

Cheteshwar Pujara (captain), Robin Uthappa, Jaydev Unadkat, Snell Patel (wicketkeepar), Prerak Mankad, Chirag Jani, Dharmendra Jadeja, Vandit Jivrajani, Avi Barot, Kishan Parmar, Krushang Patel, Shaurya Sanandiya, Hardik Rathod.