Lalchand Rajput’s son Akhil to join Mizoram

Punjab all-rounder Taruwar Kohli and Karnataka’s Sinan Kader also take up the outstation spots in the Northeast side that appointed former Karnataka coach P.V. Shashikanth as head coach.

Akhil Rajput has appeared in hyperlocal tournaments such as Kanga League, Police Shield and Madhav Mantri U-25.

Former India cricketer Lalchand Rajput’s son, Akhil, is all set to debut in the upcoming domestic season.

The 26-year-old has been roped in by Mizoram as one of the outstation players in the men’s senior squad. Along with Akhil, Cricket Association of Mizoram also picked Punjab all-rounder Taruwar Kohli and Sinan Kader from Karnataka.

“Akhil had sent his biodata. We were impressed with him. Our office-bearers highly recommended him. Even Taruwar has been a fantastic player for his state,” CAM General Secretary Mamon Majumder told Sportstar  on Tuesday.

A product of the cricket-popular R.A Podar College [graduation] and Rizvi College [post-graduation] in Mumbai, the junior Rajput has appeared in hyperlocal tournaments such as Kanga League, Police Shield and Madhav Mantri U-25. “I am really happy that Mizoram has taken him. I am sure he will provide the Mumbai touch, the khadoos attitude to the team,” said Lalchand Rajput, on hearing the news.

On the other hand, former Karnataka coach P.V. Shashikanth will take charge as head coach of Mizoram.

"Having resounding success with one of the best domestic teams (Karnataka) and then subsequently, to get involved with a team from the Northeast is very heartening. I will share my experience.

"It is a great initiative by the BCCI to develop cricketers from that region," said the seasoned coach.