Ranji Trophy 2023: Shardul Thakur returns to Ranji Trophy after BCCI Diktat, Pujara and Bharat also in action before IND vs AUS Tests

Ranji Trophy 2023: IND vs AUS Tests- India pacer Shardul Thakur is all set to return to Ranji Trophy. Thakur, who has been dropped by BCCI for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, will be eager to make a statement in the Ranji Trophy and prove his worth. Whereas, Cheteshwar Pujara and KS Bharat will feature in the Test series against Australia, starting from 9 February 2023. Follow Ranji Trophy LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

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Ranji Trophy 2023: Dropped from IND vs SL ODI, Shardul Thakur returns to Ranji Trophy after BCCI Diktat, Cheteshwar Pujara, KS Bharat to also feature ahead of IND vs AUS Tests – Check out

Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur bat in the nets ahead of crucial game against Assam. #RanjiTrophy @sportstarweb pic.twitter.com/P4Jg4rIwDi

— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) January 9, 2023

The decision to return to domestic cricket comes after BCCI’s diktat to all India-contracted players. Before the start of the Ranji season, the Indian board made it clear that barring all format players, all stars should report to domestic cricket when not involved in international cricket.

When appointed as president, Roger Binny had made it clear that Indian cricketers should play in domestic. Now, players have been asked to represent states if they are not playing international series during then. As things stand, only multi-format players are allowed to rest during international breaks.

“It had to happen. They need match practice to stay fit. With many injuries of late, we must have players ready for all formats. As President indicated, all Indian players barring all-format guys should play in domestic,” BCCI official told InsideSport last month.

Thus, India’s pace-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur will be available for Mumbai in their next match against Assam. This match will be held from 10-13 January in Guwahati. The Maharashtra-born pacer has played 31 ODIs and 25 T20Is for India and has picked up 44 and 33 wickets respectively in those games.

Ranji Trophy 2023: Dropped from IND vs SL ODI, Shardul Thakur returns to Ranji Trophy after BCCI Diktat, Cheteshwar Pujara, KS Bharat to also feature ahead of IND vs AUS Tests – Check out

Thakur was in the Indian squad for the two-Test match series against Bangladesh but he was held without a single match. He will continue to be considered for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February-March with a few more strong performances.

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Speaking of the Test series against Australia that begins on February 9, 2023. Test specialists Cheteshwar Pujara and KS Bharat have been included. With Rishabh Pant out of the Australia series due to a car crash, BCCI has asked wicketkeeper-batsmen KS Bharat to be ready for the Test cap.

KS Bharat is a seasoned domestic cricketer, having played for Andhra Pradesh in the Indian domestic circuit. He is known for his solid glovework and impressive batting abilities. Whereas, Cheteshwar Pujara is well established Indian Test player, having records to his name.