U-19 WC stars Raj Bawa, Harnoor Pannu included in Chandigarh Ranji squad

Under-19 Cricket World Cup star Rajangad Bawa and Harnoor Singh Pannu for the upcoming Ranji Trophy, starting February 16. As reported by TOI on Monday, both Rajangad and Harnoor, who were part of India's victorious Under-19 cricket World Cup campaign in the West Indies, were picked in the Manan Vohra-led 20-member Chandigarh squad. All-rounder Gurinder Singh has been named Vohra's deputy for the tournament.

According to an UTCA insider, both Rajangad and Harnoor's selection were on top of the selectors' mind, and were backed by UTCA president Sanjay Tandon. The UTCA president had on Saturday proposed to the BCCI secretary Jay Shah to allow Under-19 players' inclusion in the Ranji Trophy, to which the national cricket board had given the green signal. "Both the players had been phenomenal with their performances in the Under-19 WC.

Their inclusion will bolster the side's middle order batting, and build a healthy competition in the side. The team is a great mix of youth and the experienced players, which we hope will give Chandigarh the desired results," the UTCA source told TOI. 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 9 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.