The five must-sees in Group C
Group C in the Ranji Trophy may feature relegated teams but isn't short on big names. Here are five players to watch in the tournament
Nikhil Kalro
25-Sep-2015
Ravindra Jadeja last played for Saurashtra in 2012 • Getty Images
Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra)
Jadeja's extended lean international form resulted in his exclusion from India's limited-overs squads against South Africa. He is still on the selectors' radar, but will have to earn his spot back in the squad through consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, a tournament he last played back in 2012. In that season, Jadeja compiled two triple-centuries and picked up 24 wickets in five games. Saurashtra, who finished last in Group B in the 2014-15 season with only one win in eight games, will also need Jadeja to fire.
Jadeja's extended lean international form resulted in his exclusion from India's limited-overs squads against South Africa. He is still on the selectors' radar, but will have to earn his spot back in the squad through consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, a tournament he last played back in 2012. In that season, Jadeja compiled two triple-centuries and picked up 24 wickets in five games. Saurashtra, who finished last in Group B in the 2014-15 season with only one win in eight games, will also need Jadeja to fire.
Sanju Samson (Kerala)
After being called up to the limited overs' squad for the England tour, Samson pushed himself closer to international selection with an impressive 2014-15 Ranji season followed by a good tournament for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Eventually, he was picked to replace the injured Ambati Rayudu in India's T20 squad against Zimbabwe, and was handed a debut in the second T20, where he scored a 24-ball 19 in a losing cause. Since then, he has played List A matches for India A as a wicketkeeper, even though he does not keep wicket for Kerala. The highlight for Samson in 2014-15 was the double-century he scored against Services, which played a significant hand in Kerala's only win in the Ranji Trophy season.
After being called up to the limited overs' squad for the England tour, Samson pushed himself closer to international selection with an impressive 2014-15 Ranji season followed by a good tournament for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. Eventually, he was picked to replace the injured Ambati Rayudu in India's T20 squad against Zimbabwe, and was handed a debut in the second T20, where he scored a 24-ball 19 in a losing cause. Since then, he has played List A matches for India A as a wicketkeeper, even though he does not keep wicket for Kerala. The highlight for Samson in 2014-15 was the double-century he scored against Services, which played a significant hand in Kerala's only win in the Ranji Trophy season.
Rishi Dhawan (Himachal Pradesh)
An integral member of Himachal Pradesh's first-class outfit, Dhawan has come into contention for India through his handy all-round ability, a skill that India need, according to Sandeep Patil, the chairman of selectors. Dhawan was the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the 2014-15 season with 40 wickets in eight games, and also chipped in with the bat, scoring three consecutive fifties. He was rewarded with a spot in India A's limited-overs squads in the tri-series against South Africa A and Australia A, and against Bangladesh A.
An integral member of Himachal Pradesh's first-class outfit, Dhawan has come into contention for India through his handy all-round ability, a skill that India need, according to Sandeep Patil, the chairman of selectors. Dhawan was the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the 2014-15 season with 40 wickets in eight games, and also chipped in with the bat, scoring three consecutive fifties. He was rewarded with a spot in India A's limited-overs squads in the tri-series against South Africa A and Australia A, and against Bangladesh A.
Varun Aaron (Jharkhand)
Aaron's stop-start career has largely been down to frequent injuries and inconsistency at the highest level. He was so impressive after his first overseas Test series that his services were acquired by Durham for a two-match stint. Although known to clock 150 kmph, the volume of runs he conceded has resulted in his exclusion on more than a few occasions. He took 11 wickets in three games in last year's Ranji Trophy and also claimed a six-for against Karnataka in the Irani Cup. With the steadily rising depth of India's bowling crop, Aaron will look to produce eye-catching performances in the Ranji Trophy and retain his spot in the Test squad.
Aaron's stop-start career has largely been down to frequent injuries and inconsistency at the highest level. He was so impressive after his first overseas Test series that his services were acquired by Durham for a two-match stint. Although known to clock 150 kmph, the volume of runs he conceded has resulted in his exclusion on more than a few occasions. He took 11 wickets in three games in last year's Ranji Trophy and also claimed a six-for against Karnataka in the Irani Cup. With the steadily rising depth of India's bowling crop, Aaron will look to produce eye-catching performances in the Ranji Trophy and retain his spot in the Test squad.
Parvez Rasool (Jammu & Kashmir)
Rasool has led Jammu & Kashmir in all formats on the domestic circuit but has struggled to make an impact with his performances in recent times. He scored his sixth first-class century against Baroda last season, but his previous five-for came in J&K's final match of the 2013-14 competition. He has played an ODI in 2014 and has been on the fringes of the A side for a while now, and a solid domestic season will be a significant step towards national selection.
Rasool has led Jammu & Kashmir in all formats on the domestic circuit but has struggled to make an impact with his performances in recent times. He scored his sixth first-class century against Baroda last season, but his previous five-for came in J&K's final match of the 2013-14 competition. He has played an ODI in 2014 and has been on the fringes of the A side for a while now, and a solid domestic season will be a significant step towards national selection.
Nikhil Kalro is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo