Kochi: The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has decided to bolster this season’s Ranji Trophy team by including guest players from other states. Mumbai stars - all-rounder Iqbal Abdullah and opening batsman Bhavin Thakkar - will be part of the Kerala team. Left-arm medium-pacer Prasanth Parameshwaran, who played for Tamil Nadu and Goa during the last two seasons, makes a return to the team after a two-year hiatus.
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Though Kerala tried to rope in Bengaluru-based Amit Verma from Assam, the move didn’t materialize as he was denied an NOC by the Assam Cricket Association. Thursday was the deadline for domestic transfers.
The Kerala Ranji team will be announced in the second half of this month. It is expected that Rohan Prem will be named captain while Sachin Baby will be lead the 50-over and T20 sides. However, the selectors may appoint the experienced Abdullah as Ranji captain.
KCA president TC Mathew made it clear that Kerala was selecting the experienced guest players with an aim of entering the knockout phase of the Ranji Trophy. “For the last few seasons we have been missing the knockout berth by one or two points. Kerala cricket can only progress if we qualify for the knockout phase by strengthening the team. The local players shouldn’t have any fear that they would lose their places if guest stars are allowed to compete in Ranji Trophy. They will get chances as players are rotated for Ranji Trophy, 50-over and T20 matches,’’ he said.
Though Kerala failed to enter the knockout phase of Ranji Trophy last season, the team put up a good performance. It is expected that the 34-year-old Thakkar’s inclusion will solve the problem of finding the ideal opening partner for V.A. Jagadeesh. Prasanth’s return will boost the pace attack and he will prove to be an ideal foil for Sandeep Warrier.
Abdullah’s presence will bolster the middle order and add sting to the spin bowling. Abdullah has represented the India under-19 and ‘A’ teams. He played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last IPL and has also represented Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals.
Prasanth, who made news by bagging the man-of-the-match award on his IPL debut for Kochi Tuskers Kerala, has played for Royal Challengers besides being part of Sunrisers Hyderabad squad. Prasanth, who hails from Thannirmukkom in Alappuzha, has bagged 75 wickets from 33 first-class matches.