Youth brigade graduate

The Delhi Ranji team selected to play the second round match versus Orissa has four new faces in Vaibhav Rawal, Dhruv Shorey, Mohit Sharma and Jagrit Anand - all part of the Under-25 team that has been involved in the CK Nayudu Trophy. While these batsmen have been among the runs in their age-group tournament, what sped up their progression was the fact that India players — Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma — who played the first game against Uttar Pradesh opted out as they were to attended the three-day camp in Mumbai ahead of the Test series versus England.

With Milind Kumar and Manan Sharma, also Under-25 players, were part of the squad which was chosen to play Uttar Pradesh the fact that they have retained their place for the second match shows that selectors have placed faith in their abilities. Left-hander Rawal made a name for himself after he amassed 298 last year in the CK Nayudu Trophy. The southpaw continued to impress the selection committee as he again showed promise after scoring two centuries and a half century in three matches of the CK Nayudu Trophy this season.

Mohit Sharma was part of the Delhi squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, and his 142 versus Orissa in this year's CK Nayudu Trophy ensured that he got his due. Shorey too has been among the runs. He started off with 98 against Tamil Nadu, which went in vain as Delhi lost the match, and followed it up with a century against Orissa.

Consistent performances

Shorey has been performing consistently for a very long time and I think the selection committee has picked a very good squad. Last year when we played in the U-22 format, Shorey was one of the leading run getters. I am happy that he got a chance this season and I am sure he will continue performing right from his debut match," said Amit Bhandari who is also the chief coach of the U-25 Delhi team.

... contd.

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