Abdulla gets nod over Kulkarni

Veteran ignored for first two Ranji games but included in probable list

MUMBAI: Nilesh Kulkarni will not feature in Mumbai’s first two Ranji Trophy games of the season as young left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla has found a place in the squad of 15 announced on Tuesday.

Kulkarni has been in the news ever since he was linked to the Indian Cricket League.

Kulkarni, who has played 74 first class games for Mumbai and taken 284 wickets, was omitted from the Mohd Nissar Trophy against Pakistan’s domestic champions Karachi Urban.

MCA officials were unhappy that Kulkarni wasn’t making up his mind on the ICL and hence didn’t include him in the squad that travelled to Pakistan.

However, since then Kulkarni has made himself available for selection after not considering the ICL offer.

Chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar said that Kulkarni being left-out had nothing to do with him being linked to the ICL.

“We wanted to give Iqbal Abdulla a good break. He is young and very talented. He showed his potential in the Irani Trophy and also at the under-17 and under-19 level. He is a good all-rounder too”

However, Vengsarkar did not dismiss the possibility of Kulkarni playing for Mumbai again.

“Of course he can be considered for Mumbai again. He has been a fine player for Mumbai and has tons of experience.” Kulkarni was left out of the Playing XI that best Bengal in the Ranji Trophy final last season.

However, Kulkarni said that he had “no issues” with the team that was selected for the first two games. “I am available for selection and look forward to playing for Mumbai. It is up to the selectors to pick me or not. It is not in my hands.”

Amol Muzumdar has been retained the skipper, while Ajit Agarkar will be his deputy.

Leg-spinner Bavesh Patel and left-hand batsman Anoop Revankar, an India under-19 player has been included in the squad. Vinayak Mane, who led Mumbai in the Nissar Trophy, does not find a place in the squad.

The list of 22 probables also includes Sachin Tendulkar.