Ranji Trophy 2016-17: 5 players to watch out for

Irfan Pathan will be trying to make a comeback to the national team by performing well in the Ranji trophy

Ranji Trophy is one tournament that has always surprised the fans by producing numerous talents. It acts as the perfect platform for the fringe players who are waiting to showcase their skills and achieve their dream of representing India at the highest level.

The 2016 Ranji Trophy season is just a couple of days away and all eyes are on the International cricketers like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina etc. as they make a bid for a comeback to the national team by performing well in the Ranji Trophy.

Apart from these names, there is a pool of players who are expected to do well. Let us take a look at the list of players to watch out for in the 2016-17 Ranji trophy.

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#1 Siddhesh Lad

Mumbai’s silent killer, Siddhesh Lad. Photo credits: Indian Express

If Mumbai’s top-order fails, this ‘Lad’ will have to come to the rescue. Siddhesh Lad is someone who is not credited much for his contribution to Mumbai’s success in the Ranji trophy. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Akhil Herwadkar, Suryakumar Yadav etc. are given a majority of the credits while Lad’s performances go unnoticed. He has created an impact which VVS Laxman did for India during his playing days.

Lad has been the silent killer in the Mumbai Ranji team as he silently makes a statement whenever he comes out to bat. Who can forget his 150 against Tamil Nadu last season when his team managed to score just 294 in reply to TN’s 434?

Lad is in good form as he scored an unbeaten 100 against the visiting New Zealanders in the one-off practice match against Mumbai last month. He will miss the first match due to an injury and is expected to return to the team for Mumbai’s second match of the season.