Harbhajan Singh will lead Punjab in the first game of the Ranji Trophy 2017-18. The news was already confirmed a few days back and was made official by the board on Saturday when they announced the squad for the first game.
(Read Here: India vs Australia player ratings)
Yuvraj Singh did not find a place in the side, the reason for which is not sure, as he was seen practising at the start of the camp, but now it seems like he has withdrawn from the first match. The selectors did not name any vice-captain is his absence, as he will take up the role as soon as he returns.
Punjab side includes the likes of Jiwanjot Singh, Barinder Sran, Sandeep Sharma, Sidharth Kaul and Gurkeerat Singh Mann. Recently, Gurkeerat led the Board President XI squad against the visiting Australian side. Sandeep Sharma was also named to that team after he surprisingly missed out on a place in the Duleep Trophy.
Punjab selectors have given a chance to youngster Shubman Gill, who had scored two centuries on India’s under U-19 tour of England. Abhishek Sharma, the former India U-19 captain, missed out on his maiden first-class call-up.
This year, Punjab has a new coach in their ranks as recently, Ajay Ratra took over the duties, replacing Vikram Rathour, in the role, who has switched his base to Himachal Pradesh in the same capacity. Punjab will take on Himachal Pradesh in their first game of the season from October 6.
Squad: Harbhajan Singh (Captain), Abhishek Gupta, Manpreet Gony, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Jiwanjot Singh, Siddarth Kaul, Uday Kaul, Taruwar Kohli, Pragat Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Shubek Gill, Shubham Gill, Mayank Sidhana, Barinder Saran.
(Read Here: It wasn’t our great performance: David Saker)