Dismayed and disgruntled, Tripathi seeks MCA exit

Pune: The Maharashtra Cricket Association is set to lose white-ball specialist Rahul Tripathi, as the batter has applied for a No Objection Certificate to play for another state in the coming season.While Tripathi has made up his mind, the MCA, so far, hasn’treched out to him.The star batter, who was part of the Indian camp for almost six months before making his T20I debut last year, told TOI that he will be leaving Maharashtra with a heavy heart. “I started my cricket journey with Maharashtra and ended up earning the India cap. Maharashtra has given me everything to become what I am today. Yes, it is right that I have applied for an NOC to move out of the state as the association has not left me with any other option. I think I could have played a lot more for the state and won many more matches for my team here,” Tripathi told TOI.Tripathi, who made his List A debut in 2010 and played his maiden first-class match in 2012, was shocked after not finding his name even in the probables for the Ranji Trophy team. His name, however, figures in the white-ball probable list. He is part of the Indian team that will play at the Asian Games. Tripathi didn’t have an outstanding season in the last Ranji Trophy. But he led Maharashtra to victory against Delhi in Pune and opened the innings with Ruturaj Gaikwad against Andhra when the team required him to.While being left out of the Ranji probables was heartbreaking for Tripathi, what left him dejected was the selectors’ reply to him on his omission. “I was told by the selectors that I will not be playing any match (in Ranji Trophy). I was also told that the captain doesn’t see me in the scheme of things,” he said.“I don’t feel I can afford to sit when I have a lot of cricket left in me. I will look for a team that can let me play.“I was told that my performance last year was not good. I feel that despite playing only three-four matches last season due to my engagement with the Indian team, I gave my best. I even led the team when I was asked to, opened when it was required.”Kedar Jadhav, Pune’s only World Cupper, has been appointed captain of Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy team.Tripathi said, “I didn’t want any negativity. There is no point stretching it when the decision has been made by the MCA. I thought it would be better to play for some other team,” Tripathi said, without disclosing which team he would be joining. “I have a few options but as of now, nothing is decided.” MCA COO Ajinkya Joshi said he was not authorized to talk to the media. Secretary Shubhendra Bhandarkar didn’t respond to calls and messages.
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