Injured Prithvi Shaw doubtful for Ranji Trophy opener, Shreyas Iyer to lead

MUMBAI: Though Mumbai have started the 2018-19 season in style by clinching the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the domestic giants could lose one of their key batsmen — opener Prithvi Shaw for their Ranji Trophy opener against Railways in New Delhi from November 1 to 4, due to an elbow injury he suffered in the Deodhar Trophy. He has not been named in the Mumbai squad which was announced on Thursday.
Shaw, who made a dream start to his Test career by slamming a hundred on debut at Rajkot against the West Indies was on Tuesday struck by a short delivery off Deepak Chahar while batting for India A in the Deodhar Trophy in the Capital.
Apparently, the 18-year-old was hit on the same spot during the second Test by a Windies pacer. The teenaged opener was sent back to Mumbai by the BCCI to take medication. The bruise on the elbow follows a shoulder injury the youngster suffered during the Vijay Hazare KOs. “He’s been advised a week’s rest by the doctor. There’s swelling on his elbow, but luckily, no fracture,” informed a source.
Mumbai chief selector Ajit Agarkar, however , said there is some chance of Shaw recovering just in time for the game. “He is supposed to meet the doctor early next week. If he is cleared, he will be added as an additional member of the squad and will play.”
Shreyas Iyer, who led Mumbai to the Vijay Hazare title earlier this month, has been named as the captain for the Ranji Trophy too. ‘Keeper-bat Aditya Tare led the team last season.
Squad:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Dhawal Kulkarni (VC), Siddhesh Lad, Jay Bista, Surya Kumar Yadav, Ashay Sardesai, Aditya Tare, Eknath Kerkar, Shivam Dube, Akash Parkar, Karsh Kothari, Shams Mulani, Akhil Herwadkar, Tushar Deshpande, Royston Dias.