Ajay Ratra, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has been appointed as the Head Coach of Punjab Ranji Trophy team for the upcoming season. Ratra emerged as the winner in the end after the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) invited applications for the job earlier this month. He will replace Vikram Rathour who has switched over to Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming season.
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A veteran of 99 first-class games, Ratra played a total of six Tests and 12 ODIs for India with his first and last international appearance coming in the year 2002 itself. A member of India U19 side that won the junior World Cup in 2000, Ratra became the youngest ever wicket-keeper for India to score a century at the age of 20. Soon though, he was replaced in the side by Parthiv Patel.
He continued to play domestic cricket in the quest to make a comeback before finally calling it a day before the start of 2015/16 season.
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Ratra will join the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh in the Punjab Ranji side. In fact, he has been appointed after consultation with both the players,
“He fits the criteria and this has been done in consultation with both Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh. He will take over on September 26,” PCA secretary RP Singla told The Hindustan Times.
Punjab will open its Ranji Trophy campaign against Himachal Pradesh before they take on Vidarbha, Goa, Chattisgarh, Bengal and Services respectively.
Harbhajan Singh is expected to be named the captain of the side, depending on his availability as in the last season as well, Yuvraj Singh led the team in his absence.
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