Delhi Ranji Trophy squad announcement: Ishant Sharma left out as surprise inclusions galore

Ishant Sharma has been left out of the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad

After weeks of speculation and an excruciating delay, the Delhi District Cricket Association finally released its squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy campaign. The team will be captained by Gautam Gambhir who seems to be the only constant in a young albeit extremely controversial squad picked by selectors Rahul Sanghvi, Hari Gidwani, Vinay Lamba, chief coach Vijay Dahiya and the captain himself.

Already in a state of crisis after stalwarts like Virender Sehwag and Mithun Manhas left in the off-season to join other state teams, the aforementioned group of selectors further raised eyebrows today by leaving the likes of Rajat Bhatia and Ishant Sharma out of the team.

While the captain remained unavailable for comment, sources suggest that he was adamant on dropping the massively experienced Bhatia, who he had a dressing-room altercation fight with last year. As far as Ishant Sharma’s non-selection goes, it is believed that the India international failed to pick the selection committee’s call and was thus left out. Frivolous as it sounds, if our sources are to be believed that does indeed seem to be the case.

Talking of surprises, one couldn't help but notice the inclusion of Mohit Ahlawat. While it seemed apt that the under performing Puneet Bisht was dropped, Ahlawat’s selection has raised quite a few eyebrows. When questioned about it, a dejected probable said (on the condition of remaining anonymous), “We don't even know who Mohit is, he came to Delhi 2 years back from Haryana and has played just club cricket. His only qualification being he plays with the captain in his local club team; this is sheer injustice.”

Another startling name on the list is of Pulkit Narang. An off-spinner, he conceded 150 runs in 43 overs in his only Under 23 appearance for Delhi last year. As per what we were made to believe, he too has Gambhir’s backing.

Much like the host of players who we tried to contact, we are pretty perplexed too. Surely the former India stalwart wouldn't stoop this low. If only he would come out and let us know his side of the story though - for if the teams fails horribly, his chances of returning to the national team fold will further go down.

Full Squad:

Gautam Gambhir, Unmukt Chand, Vaibhav Rawal, Milind Kumar, Nitish Rana, Yogesh Nagar, Manan Sharma, Pulkit Narang, Sumit Narwal, Pawan Suyal, Sarang Rawat, Pradeep Sangwan, Parwinder Awana, Mohit Ahlawat, Dhruv Shorey

Stand Byes:

Subodh Bhati, Vikash Tokas, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Sharma, Pawan Negi,