CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu state senior selection committee has retained the core team that won the Vijay Hazare trophy and have made just two changes in the 15-member squad for the Prof DB Deodhar Trophy to be played at Vizag from March 25.
B Aparajith and Aswin Crist are not available due to India U-23 duty and, thus, L Suryapprakash and J Kousik have been drafted in their place respectively.
Headed by S Sharath, the Tamil Nadu selectors’ ploy of going for a young team has worked wonders this season, with the team doing well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament and Vijay Hazare trophy.
“We are very confident that this team that won the Vijay Hazare trophy will do well in Deodhar trophy too. We will definitely look forward to carrying the momentum. The boys are charged up and are keen to perform,” said S Sharath, chairman of the state selection committee.
Skipper Vijay Shankar is also keen to carry on the good work.
“It is an excellent opportunity for all of us to make an impression. We are keen to carry on the good work,” said a modest Vijay.
Dinesh Karthik has been in amazing form this season across all formats, and Tamil Nadu will once again look to the senior pro to guide the side.
“Dinesh has been a standout player right from his debut. He is a terrific player to have on the team, who on his day, can turn things around single-handedly. He has been consistent over the years and this season he has been in splendid form. The team will certainly look forward to his guidance. I will not be surprised if he gets picked for the Champions Trophy,” opined Sharath of the wicketkeeper-batsman who has also been captain of Tamil Nadu teams previously.
Many feel that a talented bowler like M Ashwin has not been utilised properly. “Well, Ashwin is certainly talented. There is no doubt about his ability. The pitch and conditions dictate the playing XI. The coach and captain pick the side. I am sure that he will get his chance to make an impression,” replied Sharath.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com
Squad: Vijay Shankar (C), Dinesh Karthik, V Ganga Sridhar Raju, B Indrajith, L Suryapprakash, M Kaushik Gandhi, N Jagadeesan, J Kousik, M Mohammed, W Anthony Dhas, R Rohit, Rahil S Shah, M Ashwin, R Sai Kishore, MS Washington Sundar.