Ranji Trophy: Can Rinku step up to find a path to Test cricket?

Ranji Trophy is not the marquee tournament anymore, but for those on the fringe and ready to toil it can be rewarding.

Kuldeep Yadav: With R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in the pecking order in Tests, the left-arm wrist spinner hasn’t been able to wield his magic with the red ball. A good start to the Ranji season with Test series around the corner could open the door for him.

Washington Sundar: Struggled because of injuries and indifferent form last year, which meant he was in and out of the national team. Capable of providing all-round balance, if Washington finds form, he would be a value addition to the Indian team that is short on multi-faceted players.

Rajat Patidar: A long injury lay-off has pegged back his international career. A consistent performer for Madhya Pradesh, in case Shubman Gill or Shreyas Iyer continue to struggle, Patidar could come into the picture.

Sarfaraz Khan: Despite being the most consistent performer, has failed to make the national cut as questions are still being asked about his ability to handle fast bowlers. That he mostly bats at No 5 – which allows him to face the old ball – is often held against him. Can he bat higher and prove his mettle?

Abhimanyu Easwaran: Was omitted despite scoring consistently in Ranji and India A circuit. In key games, especially knockouts, he hasn’t yet made a headline grabbing century. This would be a good time to change that optics.

Rinku Singh: Has shown his might in the limited-overs and with a healthy FC average of 57.82, the left-hander has a chance to earn the Test cap if he keeps scoring for UP. That he is also a very good player of spin has made him a player of interest.

Avesh Khan: With five back-to-back Tests coming up, India would need to rotate their pacers. The MP seamer is known as a workhorse and is capable of not just bowling long spells, but also for making the ball to reverse. Would be needed at some point in the year.

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