Captain Harbhajan Singh To Miss Few Ranji Games, Jiwanjot Singh To Lead
Oct 2, 2017 at 11:45 AM
It looks like Harbhajan Singh is not hoping to make a Test comeback as after missing the previous first-class season, the India off-spinner is all set to skip few games again as Bhajji will not be playing the first few games of Ranji Trophy 2017/18.
The news has come a day after he was confirmed as the captain of Punjab. In his absence, Jiwanjot Singh will lead the side. The Punjab opening batsman made the first-class debut in 2012/13 season and kicked off his first-class career with a double century. He followed up with a century again and soon found himself playing for India A in the same season.
A few months back, he was approached by Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) to play as a professional, but the right-handed batsman decided to play for Punjab only, and now, he is all set to lead the side as well. KCA roped in Arun Karthick as a professional then.
Bhajji’s exclusion also meant that Abhishek Sharma got a place in the side. The all-rounder was not a part of squad earlier but now has been given a place. The 15 member team already includes Shubham Gill.
Meanwhile, captaincy to Jiwanjot has come as a surprise as Punjab have Gurkeerat Singh Mann in their ranks as well. He has led Punjab in the past, and he could have been someone to look at again.
Punjab side includes regulars like Sandeep Sharma, Sidharth Kaul, Uday Kaul and as Barinder Sran. They will face Himachal Pradesh in their opening contest. Their next competition will be against Vidarbha, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Bengal and Services.