BCA picks up young, fresh faces for T20 tournament

VADODARA: Selectors of Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) have picked up a team that includes two new faces, many young cricketers and a few experienced players for the BCCI senior T20 tournament that starts from October 20 in Pune. Captained by Irfan Pathan, BCA's T20 team also has Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel in the list of 15 players.
However, the duo's availability for the tournament is in doubts.The selectors have relied on experienced faces like Rakesh Solanki, Shatrunjay Gaekwad, Pinal Shah, Rajesh Pawar, Azhar Bilakhia and Shailesh Solanki. "It is a good side with many youngsters. All of them are good in Twenty20 cricket. Also, we have an experienced captain like Irfan who will definitely boost the morale of the players," said a BCA official.
"We would like to have Yusuf and Munaf in the team. But more than that, we would want them to get selected for the India-Australia series. If that happens, the duo won't be able to play for our T20 team," the official added.
Firdaush Bhaja, who has made it to the team, is being considered as a genuine quick bowler who can bowl at the speed of over 130 km consistently. Another new face, Mayur Kahar, is a good batsman who can hit the ball over the ropes. Pawar has been picked up owing to his experience, but he might be replaced by Murtuja Vohra if he fails to perform. The tournament is being considered important from Irfan's point of view as he has been struggling to make a comeback to the national side.
Irfan will make efforts to prove his leadership skills and performance during this tournament. The other players selected for the T20 team are Irshad Sindhi, Ketan Panchal and Vishwanath Parmar. "We may face some problem for the opening slot, if Bilakhia remains in the Deccan Chargers team till the end of Champions League," said sources.