Akshdeep Nath Replaces Suresh Raina as Uttar Pradesh's Ranji Skipper

The wicketkeeper-batsman Akshdeep Nath has replaced Suresh Raina as Uttar Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy skipper. However, the veteran southpaw batsman, Raina will continue to lead his stateside in the Vijay Hazare trophy, the 50-overs tournament.

Meanwhile, Raina had to pay the price for his dry run of form in the previous season of the Ranji Trophy. Suresh Raina, who is not a specialist red ball player scored only 105 runs in the nine innings at a poor average of 11.66.

Raina will like to present a strong case for himself to make a national comeback.

On the other hand, Akshdeep Nath was one of the Uttar Pradesh’s top scorer in the previous season. The right-hander scored 387 runs at an average of 387. Thus, he will hold the captaincy reins for his side as he will try to fill in the big shoes.

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina will lead in the Vijay Hazare trophy which is set to commence from 19 September. Consequently, Raina will like to make a strong case for himself to get back into the team for the series against the Windies. Therefore, it is going to be an imperative domestic tournament for Raina to make his comeback into the national side.

In fact, the southpaw batsman could not break into the Asia Cup squad. Raina performance wasn’t impressive in the limited overs leg in England and therefore he was shown the exit doors from the team.

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh will begin their Vijay Hazare campaign against Saurashtra on September 19. Suresh Raina led side will take on Chattisgarh on September 21. Meanwhile, the knockout stage of the tournament will begin from October 14.