rajat-patidar-and-sarfaraz-khan-sportstiger

Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan are set to be included in India's three four-day matches against New Zealand A, starting on the first of September. Sarfaraz Khan was included for the South Africa tour and had an incredible Ranji Trophy season where he scored 982 runs and seems like a sure-shot pick for all three games.

Rajat Patidar has also looked incredible over the domestic season as he scored 600 plus runs in Ranji Trophy. He also had a stellar IPL season and hence is an automatic choice.

Also Read

  • Aakash Chopra

    "Asia Cup after a long break will be crucial" - Aakash Chopra addresses importance of Asia Cup for Virat Kohli

  • Shahid Afridi

    It’s in his own hands: Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi on Virat Kohli’s form

While Mumbai’s left-arm spinner Shams Mulani could be considered a contender for the squad with 45 wickets and 321 runs this season. But, his fitness and fielding are key reasons which could hinder his selection, which are crucial factors in the current Indian cricketing set-up.

Uttar Pradesh’s Saurabh Kumar and  Shahbaz Ahmed from West Bengal, who put up 500 runs, took 20 wickets this season, and is currently in Zimbabwe, could be ahead in the race.

U-19 World Cup-winning skipper Yash Dhull from Delhi and Bengal's fast-medium swing bowler Mukesh Kumar could also be in consideration for the four-day games. Whereas former India top order batter Ajinkya Rahane, who suffered an injury during the IPL, has recovered well and is set to join the Mumbai Ranji Trophy off-season camp. However, he may not be considered for this tour.

According to a senior BCCI official, Rahane would have to perform on the domestic circuit. "Rahane hasn’t played any cricket of late and hence straightaway the selectors won’t put him in India A with lot of performers waiting. I think he will play for West Zone in Duleep Trophy and take it from thereon", he said.

Reports also say that Rahane is not on the list for the Bangladesh tour in December but a good Ranji Trophy season could bring him back in the mix for the big home series against Australia. The white ball leg of the New Zealand series will majorly include players who are currently playing the ODI series in Zimbabwe. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, and Shahbaz Ahmed will all be a part of the series.