Lakshman unexpected pick in TN contingent

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu senior selection committee led by S Sharath sprang a surprise by naming medium pacer V Lakshman in a 15-member squad for the season’s first Ranji Trophy match, against Andhra at Chepauk from October 6. Abhinav Mukund has been retained captain and he will have the experienced duo of M Vijay and R Ashwin to guide him.

“We have picked the team with the right mixture of experience and youth. Abhinav did a good job last season and took the team to the semifinals. He was the natural choice. With Ashwin and Vijay, the side looks strong and we hope to start on a good note,’’ said Sharath, chairman of the selection committee. Injuries to some of the medium pacers opened the door for youngsters like Lakshman.

“R Natarajan, Aswin Crist are injured. So we picked K Vignesh, L Vignesh and Lakshman. Natarajan needs more time to get back in shape,’’ informed D Girish, another member of the selection committee. But why a rookie like Lakshman in place of J Kousik? “We wanted to have a strong senior and U-23 side. There is no point in being in the reserves. So we made Kousik captain of the U-23 side. This was the case also with Shahrukh Khan and Anirudh Sita Ram,’’ revealed Sharath. “Lakshman, in the first five games in the league, was the highest wicket-taker.

He helped his team (Nelson SC) move to the Elite group. Similarly, Sai Kishore has been outstanding in the TNCA league and TNPL. When a player is in form, it makes sense to pick him.” Lakshman is delighted to be in the team. “Even today during practice when Abhinav spoke to me I got really excited. He told me what it takes to be a first-class cricketer and areas I need to work on.’’ he said.

Kousik U-23 captain

J Kousik will lead TN U-23 against Mumbai from October 8-11 in Tirunelveli. Squad: J Kousik (captain), M Shahrukh Khan (vice-captain), C Hari Nishaanth, K Mukunth, K Vishal Vaidhya, S Lokeshwar, S Swaminathan, R Kavin, Sanjay Yadav, M Siddharth, Ashwath Mukunthan, Samruddh Bhat, R Vishaal, B Anirudh Sita Ram, M Abhinav.

TN Squad

Abhinav Mukund (captain), B Indrajith (vice-captain), M Vijay, M Kaushik Gandhi, N Jagadeesan (wk), B Aparajith, MS Washington Sundar, Rahil Shah, K Vignesh, R Ashwin, L Vignesh, R Sai Kishore, V Lakshman, R Rohith (wk), Malolan Rangarajan.