After multi-million IPL deal and U-19 World Cup triumph, multi-purpose Raj Angad Bawa set for Ranji Trophy debut

Raj Angad Bawa. From taking a fifer in the U-19 World Cup final to bagging a multi-million contract with the Punjab Kings at the Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, Bawa is now set to make his debut in first-class cricket for Chandigarh, as the Ranji Trophy, the country’s premier domestic championship, begins on Thursday. Along with Bawa, his U-19 World Cup teammate Harnoor Singh, who unfortunately failed to find any takers during the auction, is also expected to make his debut as Chandigarh open their campaign against Hyderabad on Thursday. The Manan Vohra-led side had forgetful outings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy and will hope to bounce back in red-ball cricket. All-rounder Gurinder Singh has been named Vohra’s deputy.

Raj’s inclusion in the team will boost the Chandigarh middle order that has often been found wanting for runs in the longest format, while his medium pacers will add variety to the bowling attack. The young gun accumulated 252 runs and picked nine wickets in the U-19 World Cup. Harnoor, meanwhile, scored 140 runs in the tournament, with one half-century (88 against Ireland). Besides the duo, the Chandigarh side will also see the return of diminutive opener Arslan Khan and medium pacer Shresth Nirmohi to the longest format. Nirmohi was the pick of the Chandigarh bowling line-up when the Chandigarh boys last played the Ranji Trophy, a year ago. Arslan, meanwhile, has always been an impressive left-handed batting option, and has performed well in the limited opportunities. The middle order will be manned by the likes of Shivam Bhambri, Ankit Kaushik, along with Amrit Lal Lubhana, Arjit Singh followed by stumper Jaskaran Singh Sohi and Gurinder Singh. Singh will also be