Yuvraj Singh is set to lead Punjab team in their opening Ranji trophy match against railways which is set to be played on Palam Ground from October 6 to 9 in the absence of veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh.
Harbhajan who is the captain of Punjab team will be unavailable for the fixture as Arpit Pannu is called as a replacement for Bhajji. “Off spinner Arpit Pannu will be replacing Harbhajan in the match,” PCA spokesperson Sushil Kapoor has confirmed earlier today.
The Punjab team will go into domestic season as one of the favorites to clinch the Ranji trophy as they one of the most exciting sides in the tournament. BCCI’s decision to play Ranji matches at neutral venues meant the experience of Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh will play a crucial role in their proceedings.
Yuvraj Singh is expected to be called back to ODI series against New Zealand as selection committee meets on October 6 to decide the squad for the series. The 34-year old has recently undergone fitness test at Bengaluru as he is favored by new coach Anil Kumble who is keen to use his all-round skills.
The Punjabi batsman who has played crucial role in two world cup glories for India will be a vital addition as his experience would help the side to settle in as a good display would help him seal the place in the team for 2019 world cup.
Yuvi has made a comeback to Team India T20 side earlier this year and has looked very impressive as he along with Dhoni and Virat Kohli has led the Indian batting line up as others failed miserably in the T20 World Cup. However, the southpaw will use the chance of playing in the Ranji trophy as a warm up to the New Zealand series as a good knock in the match would help his confidence going into the series.
The other members of Punjab team for the match against railways are Jeevanjot Singh, Manan Vohra, Uday Kaul, Mandeep Singh, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Gitansh Khera (wicket keeper), Vinay Chaudhary, Siddharth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma, Manpreet Singh Grewal, Mayank Sidana, Rajwinder Singh, Subek Gill and Arpit Singh Pannu.