Abhinav Mukund to continue as Tamil Nadu skipper

Sportstar has learnt from reliable sources that the left-handed opening batsman Abhinav Mukund will captain the Tamil Nadu side for the third year in succession.

Abhinav Mukund has 7672 runs in 109 first class games at an average of 46.56.

The suspense is over. Abhinav Mukund will lead Tamil Nadu in the upcoming Ranji season.

Sportstar has learnt from reliable sources that the left-handed opener will captain the State side for the third year in succession. Ahead of the decision made by the selectors but still not released to the media, speculations abounded since Tamil Nadu had a forgettable last season.

Interestingly, the State selectors had postponed the naming of the captain even as the pre-season camp for probables got underway at Dehradun from September 26.

There were other contenders in the fray. B Indrajith was in the race but a fitness concern that restricted his throwing ability hurt his chances. Finally, it was a contest between Abhinav and B Aparajith.

Ahead of making the call, the selectors had waited for feedback from new team coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar who had one-to-one interactions with all the members of the squad to comprehend their views. Eventually, former India opener Abhinav’s experience, stature in the side, willingness to shoulder responsibility and the fact that he is still only 26 swung things his way.

Someone who led Tamil Nadu to the Ranji final the season before last, the left-handed Abhinav has 7672 runs in 109 first class games at 46.56.

It has been learnt that promising Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar, recovering from a knee surgery, will not be available for the first few matches.

Tamil Nadu begins its campaign against Mumbai at Lahli from October 6.