TN picks Ashwin, Vijay, Karthik in Ranji Trophy squad

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu selectors on Wednesday didn't spring much surprise and went in with a tried-and-tested squad for the Ranji Trophy opener against Madhya Pradesh in Dindigul which starts from November 1. The squad, led by B Indrajith, features the experienced campaigners Dinesh Karthik, Murali Vijay and R Ashwin. The batting order looks particularly strong with the presence of Abhinav Mukund, Kaushik Gandhi, B Aparajith and N Jagadeesan in the ranks.
Skipper Indrajith was pleased with the number of allrounder options available in the line-up. "We have the likes of Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, J Kousik and M Mohammed who can do the allrounder's job in our side. Their role in the squad is always crucial. To add to that, the availability of our international cricketers for the match lends solidity to the squad," Indrajith told TOI.
While the batting looks solid on paper, injuries to frontline quicks - Aswin Crist, K Vignesh and T Natarajan - has considerably weakened the pace bowling department. Natarajan suffered a finger injury during the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, while Crist is recovering from a stress fracture in his back. Vignesh, on the other hand, is on road to recovery from a Grade 1 tear on his left thigh.
Their absence has made the selectors rope in fresh faces R Rohit and S Abhishek Tanwar. Indrajith is however hopeful that the new additions will be up for the task. "Medium-pacers Rohit and Abhishek have done well for their TNCA first division sides - Young Stars and Grand Slam respectively - in the league circuit. With our regular pacers still not match fit, the next line of quicks get an opportunity. The conditions in Dindigul will not be too different to what they encounter in Chennai and they should deliver the goods," Indrajith said. The squad also has M Mohammed, Kousik, Vijay Shankar to share the pace bowling duties. Rohit was part of the Tamil Nadu squad last season for their final league clash against Baroda but didn't get a game, while Abhishek received his maiden Ranji call. "To be part of the Ranji set-up is a dream-come-true moment for me," said Tanwar, a handy allrounder who moved from Alwarpet CC to Grand Slam this season.
Even as the pace battery looks short on experience; the spin-bowling department offers no such headaches for Indrajith. Star offie R Ashwin heads the pack and will have left-arm spinners Rahil Shah and R Sai Kishore for company. Washington too presents a handy spin-bowling option.
Squad: B Indrajith (Captain), Kaushik Gandhi, Abhinav Mukund, M Vijay, Vijay Shankar, B Aparajith, Dinesh Karthik, N Jagadeesan, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, R Sai Kishore, Rahil Shah, M Mohammed, J Kousik, R Rohit, Abhishek Tanwar