Ranji Trophy: Yash Dhull named in Delhi's squad; Ishant unavailable
What's the story
Yash Dhull, who led India to the 2022 Under-19 World Cup title, has been named in Delhi's squad for the Ranji Trophy, starting this month. Meanwhile, senior Indian pacer Ishant Sharma has made himself unavailable for selection. The 33-year-old informed about his decision to Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley. Left-arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan will lead the Delhi side.
Context
Why does it matter?
Under Dhull, India won their fifth ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup title by beating England in the final. Dhull became the fifth Indian skipper to lift the title after Mohammad Kaif (2000), Virat Kohli (2008), Unmukt Chand (2012), and Prithvi Shaw (2018). The 19-year-old is set to have his first taste of red-ball cricket in the Ranji Trophy.
Information
Dhull yet to play red-ball cricket
Dhull hasn't played red-ball cricket so far due to his commitments in limited-overs cricket. "His confidence is high and even though he hasn't played a lot of red-ball matches, we want him to get a taste of First-class cricket," a selector told PTI.
Developments
Dhull will travel to Guwahati on Thursday
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) felicitated Dhull-led Team India in Ahmedabad during the second ODI against West Indies. Dhull landed in India with the rest of the Under-19 team members on Tuesday. He will visit his hometown Delhi on Thursday before joining the Ranji squad in Guwahati. Dhull will undergo a five-day quarantine after reaching Guwahati.
Ishant
Ishant Sharma pulls out of Ranji Trophy
In another development, pace spearhead Ishant has pulled out of the Ranji Trophy. The senior pacer warmed the bench in India's recent Test assignments. Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav have been preferred over Ishant. Ishant is one of the few pacers to have represented India in over 100 Tests. He owns 311 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 32.40.
Information
Delhi's squad for Ranji Trophy
Delhi squad: Pradeep Sangwan (captain), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Shorey , Priyansh Arya , Yash Dhull, Khsitij Sharma, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Lalit Yadav , Anuj Rawat Wk, Lakshay Thareja wk, Navdeep Saini, Simarjit Singh , Mayank Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Vikas Mishra, Shivang Vashist, Shivam Sharma.
Tournament
Ranji Trophy to be held between February and June
The Ranji Trophy, India's premier First-class tournament, will be held over two phases between February 10 and June 26 across nine venues in India. The first phase of the tournament is scheduled to be held between February 10 and March 15. Meanwhile, the knockouts will take place after the conclusion of the IPL 2022. Notably, Delhi have been placed in Elite Group A.