Manjot Kalra, Delhi Ranji Team,
Manjot Kalra (Photo by Kai Schwoerer-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)

Former India U19 cricketer, Manjot Kalra, might get a place in the Delhi side for the knockout round of Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017/18.

The selectors had not included the Man of the Final of the U19 World Cup previously as they   had already selected the team. Kalra had scored an unbeaten century to guide India to the World Cup title.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017/18: Gautam Gambhir's Unavailability Might Open Doors For Manjot Kalra In Delhi Side
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer-IDI/IDI via Getty Images)

His century in the final came few days after the team was selected.

He was hopeful of getting a chance in the knockout stage and the opportunity might fall into his lap, now.

The major reason for the opportunity coming to him will be the unavailability of Gautam Gambhir.

The Delhi opener was ruled out of the league stage due to an ankle injury.

The report in Sportstar suggests that he is yet to give an update to the state association regarding the injury.

This could see him not being selected in the team.

This might lead to Manjot being given his maiden call-up to the senior team.

Though, a selection may not guarantee him a place in the playing XI.

Delhi openers, Unmukt Chand and Hiten Dalal have done in the league stage of the tournament.

This could see skipper, Ishant Sharma not tinkering with the opening combination. Manjot is likely to bat in the middle order if he gets the nod.

Delhi will face Andhra Pradesh in the quarterfinal at Palam A Stadium on February 22.

The Ishan Sharma led side had a tough road to the second stage of the tournament.

Despite winning the four league stage games, the future of the team was in balance until yesterday.

Only way Delhi could have qualified if Bengal posted a win against Himachal Pradesh and they did it, courtesy Manoj Tiwary’s century. Interestingly, Bengal and Delhi have shared a love-hate relation in past few years.

It all started in 2015/16 when Bengal played Delhi in Ranji Trophy at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium.

The contest was in limelight due to the war of words between Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwary. Last year too, both the teams took a shot at each other in the semi-final of the Ranji Trophy.

Delhi defeated Bengal on day three of the game to book a spot in the final of the tournament.

In Vijay Hazare league phase too, Delhi met Bengal where Ishant Sharma led side defeated Bengal by 89 runs.

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