Solanki hopes for ODI return with Ranji performance

Jaipur, Nov 16 (UNI) Rajathan's foreign recruit for the Ranji season and Worcestershire bat Vikram Solanki today exuded confidence of making a comeback to the England ODI squad with some stellar show in the Indian domestic cricket.

Headed by BCCI Vice President Lalit Modi, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) pulled off a surprise by including the Worcestershire duo of Solanki and Kabir Ali in their 15-member Ranji squad for the next two matches to be led by Ajay Jadeja.

RCA has roped in both the players as professionals and both of them joined the training sessions of the team at newly created modern cricket academy in Sawai Man Singh Stadium here.

The Udaipur-born Solanki told newsmen that he had a childhood dream to play for Rajasthan in Ranji Trophy and it's a dream-come-true now.

He had his primary education in Udaipur before his family migrated to U.K.

''In the current team, I only know Jadeja and Gagan Khoda but now that I'm part of the squad, I would know everyone,'' he said.

Solanki revealed he was negotiating with Australia and New Zealand also to play there before got the RCA invitation.

''I know my performance here would be watched and if I can score well, I have good chances of making it to the England ODI side. I'm presently not in the team but once out from the side doesn't mean you are out for ever,'' he said.

Pakistani-born Kabir Ali said he decided to use his lay-off time to play for Rajasthan.

''I would concentrate on my line and length here and that would be great help in such conditions,'' he said.

As RCA used the full quota of fielding three professionals, the axe fell on yougsters like Mohammed Ahmed, Rohit Jhalani and Anshu Jain -- all of whom represented the team last year.

Rajasthan play their first Ranji tie against Gujrat at Ahmedabad from November 23.

Team: Ajay Jadeja(Captain), Rahul Kanwat(VC), Gagan Khoda,Vikram Solanki, Kabir Ali, Nikhil Doru, M Aslam, Vineet Saxena, Dishant Yagnik, Pankaj Singh, Shailender Gehlot, Sumit Mathur or Nishan Singh.

Manager: Madhukar Sharma.

UNI MY AY HT1925