Irfan picked in Vadodara Ranji squad to take on champions UP

Vadodara, Dec 30 (UNI) India's speedster Irfan Pathan was today included in the 15-member Vadodara Ranji squad for the side's crucial Elite Group 'A' league match against champions Uttar Pradesh, beginning here on January 2.

Irfan, who was sent back home from South Africa following his dismal performance there, replaced Murtuja Vohra, the only change effected in the Vadodara team, which was announced after the BCA senior selection committee meeting here today.

Ever since Irfan landed here from Mumbai yesterday, he has remained indoors at his Haji Park Society residence at Tandalja, and is likely to join the team members in the practice session at the IPCL stadium tomorrow morning.

Concerned about Irfan's poor show in South Africa, the India think tank had decided to send the Baroda paceman back to India to enable him play the remaining two Ranji matches for Vadodara against UP and Tamil Nadu and regain his form and confidence.

BCA selection committee chairman Dashrath Pardeshi said with the return of Irfan, the team had got a tremendous boost to fight back for a semi-final berth.

The team : Jacob Martin (cap), Pinal Shah (wk), Connor williams, Rakesh Solanki, Satyajit Parab, Ajit Bhoite, Satrunjay Gaekwad, Ketan Panchal, Himanshu Jadav, Rakesh Patel, Rajesh Pawar, Irfan Pathan (Jr), Irfan Pathan (Sr), Rishikesh Parab and Jishan Mehta.

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