KOCHI: Experienced batsman
Rohan Prem has been recalled into the Kerala Ranji Trophy squad for the match against Hyderabad as a replacement for
Sanju Samson who will be on national duty in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Allrounder
Vinoop Manoharan
also returned in place of left-arm spinner KS Monish.
Rohan, the highest run-getter for Kerala in first-class
cricket
with 4674 runs from 85 matches, was earlier omitted from the squad after he had failed a fitness test. "Rohan has successfully undergone a Yo-Yo test and he will be replacing Sanju," said Kerala Cricket Association secretary Sreejith V Nair.
Rohan, who last played for Kerala in last season's Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, was not part of the limited-over tournaments this season.
Vinoop, who played a vital role in Kerala's run into the semifinals last season, was initially overlooked after the pre-season camp this time. But now with Monish's returns with the ball proving to be less than satisfactory, the selectors have chosen to go for Vinoop who is more of a batting allrounder capable of chipping in a few overs of off-spin.
Kerala have lost two matches on the trot and are looking for their first win in their fourth match when they take on hosts Hyderabad from January 3. For the last four group matches that follow the Hyderabad tie, they will be missing out on the services of pacer Sandeep Warrier who has been picked for India 'A' squads touring New Zealand.
Kerala squad:
Sachin Baby (captain), Jalaj Saxena, Rahul P, Rohan Prem, Robin Uthappa, Vishnu Vinod, Salman Nizar, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Asif KM, Sandeep Warrier, Basil Thampi, Nidheesh MD, Vinoop Manoharan, Sijomon Joseph, Akshay Chandran.