Chandrasekar, Rohit included in TN squad for crucial Baroda tie

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu have made two changes to their squad for the must-win final round contest against Baroda at the Reliance Cricket Stadium, Vadodara, starting November 25.
Left-arm spinner DT Chandrasekar, who last played a first-class match in 2015, has been added to the squad, while medium-pace allrounder R Rohit replaces Vijay Shankar, who has been included in the Indian Test team for the second match against Sri Lanka.
Although there is already a left-arm spinner in the squad in R Sai Kishore, the TN selectors have picked another left-armer in Chandrasekhar. A top TNCA official said that the team management felt they needed to boost their spin department.
"We had already tried Rahil Shah. The team management wanted another left-arm option. Thus the selectors decided to pick Chandrasekar. Allrounder Rohit has been in good form and is a suitable candidate to replace Vijay Shankar. The duo will join the side in Baroda on Wednesday," said the official.
For Rohit, who made his List A debut earlier this year, it's a comeback of sorts. The 25-year-old allrounder missed out on TNPL action with a fracture in his right little finger. "This is my maiden call-up into the Ranji side. I have worked hard on my fitness after the injury. I don't want to put myself under pressure and if given a chance I'm confident of performing well," Rohit told TOI.
Chandrasekhar admits there is a "bit of pressure" on left-arm spinners in the state now. "I would be lying if I say there is no pressure. There is a healthy competition among left-arm spinners in the state. Since the emergence of TNPL, there are at least 10 left-arm tweakers who have been bowling well. So I'm looking forward to making the most if given an opportunity," he said.
Karthik unavailable for Baroda match: Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik, who is recovering from a hip stiffness, will not be available for TN's match against Baroda. It is learnt that although Karthik "has recovered" from the niggle, he has been "advised rest" for another week as precautionary measure.