Ever since the national selectors dropped Ravindra Jadeja from the India squad for the T20 series against Australia, there were speculations that he would play the Ranji Trophy for his state side, Saurashtra. But when the team, led by Cheteshwar Pujara, begins its campaign against Haryana on Friday, Saurashtra will be missing out on the services of Jadeja.
It is learnt that even though the India international showed keenness in playing the tournament, he had to skip the season opener due to a wedding in the family. "He (Jadeja) is not available for the first game. He confirmed to us a couple of days back that it would not be possible for him to play this one," Saurashtra coach Shitanshu Kotak told Sportstar .
The coach, however, added that Jadeja will be available for selection in the second game against Jammu and Kashmir, to be played in Rajkot from October 14. "He will join the team then. That's how the plan is till now," Kotak said.
In the absence of regular skipper, Jay Shah, Pujara will be leading Saurashtra in the game at Lahli. This would also be the first game for Robin Uthappa, who left Karnataka to join Saurashtra this season.
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The wicket at Lahli's Chaudhary Bansi Lal Stadium in Lahli usually favours the bowlers, and in the past, the venue has only witnessed low-scoring games. Kotak, however, is not bothered about all that. "The wicket looks good. We have a good side and the game should be interesting," Kotak said.
Despite Jadeja missing out, Saurashtra will be hoping to get off to a decent start.
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