The Punjab Kings’ Indian contingent will kick off their Ranji Trophy 2022-23 campaign for their respective sides on Tuesday, December 13.
Wicket-keeper batter Prabhsimran Singh, fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh and left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar will represent Punjab in the 88th edition of India’s premier red-ball domestic tournament.
Prabhsimran Singh has already made an impressive start to his First-Class cricket career, scoring 152 runs in three matches, including a scintillating hundred.
India international Arshdeep Singh is also expected to play a pivotal role for Punjab in Ranji Trophy 2022-23. The 23-year-old left-arm pacer has claimed 21 wickets in just six First-Class matches at an average of 24.71, including one five-wicket haul.
On the other hand, Baltej Singh has been a key member of the Punjab cricket team in domestic cricket. The 32-year-old has bagged 55 First-Class wickets in just 18 matches at an average of 24.98. Baltej has recorded two five-wicket hauls in his short career.
Following his splendid showing at the recently-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy, spinner Harpreet Brar could make his First-Class debut for Punjab this season.
Meanwhile, Punjab is placed in Elite Group D of the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, alongside Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Gujarat, Vidarbha and Railways. Punjab will lock horns with Chandigarh in their opening fixture.
Punjab Kings’ star all-rounder Rishi Dhawan will lead Himachal Pradesh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The experienced all-rounder has had a stellar First-Class career so far, accumulating 3,725 runs and picking 309 wickets in 81 matches.
Himachal Pradesh are clubbed in Elite Group A of the tournament with Bengal, Baroda, Odisha, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Nagaland. Rishi Dhawan-led Himachal Pradesh will take on Haryana in their Ranji Trophy 2022-23 opener.
Left-handed batter Atharva Taide will play for Vidarbha in Ranji Trophy 2022-23. The 22-year-old has already amassed 388 runs in eight First-Class matches at an average of 38.80. He has hit three fifties so far.
Atharva Taide’s Vidarbha will begin their Ranji Trophy 2022-23 campaign against Railways in an Elite Group D encounter on December 13.
Punjab Kings’ young all-rounder Raj Angad Bawa will represent Chandigarh in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23. The 20-year-old has played just two First-Class matches, scoring 152 runs at an average of 50.66. He has also scalped three wickets so far.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu will miss the services of Punjab Kings batter Shahrukh Khan due to a knee injury. Punjab Kings wrist spinner Rahul Chahar has also been sidelined and will miss a few Ranji Trophy matches for Rajasthan in the ongoing season.
Madhya Pradesh are the defending champions of the Ranji Trophy, having defeated Mumbai by six wickets in last edition’s final.
