No Prithvi Shaw in Rest of India team

Fit-again Wriddhiman Saha was named in the Rest of India squad that will take on first-time Ranji Trophy champions in the Irani Cup to be held in Mumbai from January 20-24

Mumbai's Prithvi Shaw made 71 runs in Ranji Trophy final against Gujarat at Holkar Stadium Indore. Pic/Prakash Parsekar

New Delhi: Fit-again Wriddhiman Saha was named in the Rest of India squad that will take on first-time Ranji Trophy champions in the Irani Cup to be held in Mumbai from January 20-24.

Cheteshwar Pujara will lead the 15-man squad comprising Karun Nair.

The selection of Tamil Nadu opener Abhinav Mukund, Jharkhand keeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and tournament top-wicket taker Shahbaz Nadeem (56 wickets) shows that consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy have been rewarded. Saha will make a return following his recovery from a thigh injury he suffered in the second Test against England in November. Ranji's highest run-scorer Panchal will get to play for his state side.

Mumbai opener Akhil Herwadkar (467 runs) has been preferred to teenage sensation and teammate Prithvi Shaw, who belied his age by hitting a hundred on first-class debut and that too in a Ranji Trophy semi-final followed by 71 in the final. Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary is back in the mix with 643 runs to show for his efforts.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!