BCCI Ask States to Rest Pacers Ahead of New Zealand Tour
Updated - 31 Oct 2018, 05:45 PM
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has directed the respective state associations to leave out pacers — Rajneesh Gurbani, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, and Mohammad Siraj — for the first round of the Ranji Trophy fixtures, starting from November 1 with the aim of managing their workload.
Meanwhile, these four are the part of India A squad which will leave India for New Zealand on November 9 for three four-day games. The visitor will play its first match on November 14 under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane will aim to find his lost touch ahead of the anticipated tour of Australia starting from November 21.
A BCCI official admitted that they decided to ensure “that the players remain fit and remain fresh for a long tour.” Gurbani was one of the best performers for Vidarbha during their successful campaign last year. He initially joined the side in Pune ahead of their opener against Maharashtra but headed back home following the Board’s letter.
Vidarbha Cricket Association secretary and former India international, Prashant Vaidya, confirmed Gurbani’s absence. Furthermore, right-arm fast bowler Darshan Nalkande will slot in his place. The tour will valuable for all the young pacers as BCCI has introduced the rotational policy, providing chances to young talents.
Following the three unofficial Test, India A will also play three unofficial ODIs starting from December 7. Off late, India A have played a lot of cricket outside the continent and have done remarkably well. They will look to continue their form when they visit the other part of the globe to the land of the Kiwis.
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