Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan have decided to turn up for Mumbai for Ranji Trophy in order to get back their rhythm for the crucial home series against England.
A report in The Times of India says that both players will play a decisive role in the four-Test series against England, but both players have not featured in first class cricket since the New Zealand series ended in early September.
Zaheer last played in the ICC World T20 in Sri Lanka while Tendulkar is playing for Mumbai Indians in the CLT20, in South Africa and from the evidence of his dismissal to Aaron Phangiso of the Highveld Lions, on Sunday, he is still extremely rusty.
Tendulkar got out bowled through the gate in all the three innings against New Zealand and question marks were asked about his reflexes and form. Zaheer too failed to make an impression in the two Tests.
In fact, as the first of the four-match Test series starts, only on the 15th, at Motera, Ahmedabad, both Tendulkar and Zaheer can also request the MCA management to pick them for the game against defending champions Rajasthan, in Udaipur, which will be played from November 9 to 12.
Meanwhile The Hindustan Times writes that the Ranji Trophy will be a starry event and even the Indian cricket board officials couldn’t have dreamed of a better opening for their premier domestic tournament than the one they will get on November 2, for they will have the entire star cast of Indian cricket lined up for the domestic tournament.
If Mumbai will have Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in their home game against Railways, Delhi will have Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma against Uttar Pradesh.
Punjab’s Ranji hopes also got a boost after India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and southpaw Yuvraj Singh were named in the state squad. While Harbhajan has been given the responsibility of leading the side, Yuvraj has confirmed his availability for at least the first two rounds.
It is another matter that the reason for these big names’ show of interest in playing the opening games is linked to the England Tests series at home starting on November 15. Those who are certain of their place in the squad are looking at it as an opportunity to gain match fitness, while others see it as a chance to stake claim to the national squad.
Many a time, Tendulkar has turned up for his home team in the semifinal or final, but it will be one of those rare occasions when he will be part of the opening fixture. The master has been forced to include the match in his preparation plan to overcome rustiness. After a below-par showing against New Zealand, the pressure is on him to start strongly against England.
By Indian Sports News Network