Naushad Shaikh to lead Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy
Maharashtra has named young all-rounder Naushad Shaikh as the new captain of its Ranji Trophy side having relegated to Group C in the tournament. New chief selector Abhijit Kale hailed the man-management skills of Shaikh as he looked to bring in new ideas and a change to the leadership of the team.
After a devastating season in the Ranji Trophy, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has sprung to action as the new season is set to kick off. The MCA not only named a new selection committee but also changed the leadership of the side as they named Naushad Shaikh as the captain.
Newly appointed chief selector of the MCA, Abhijit Kale shared that he wanted a change in the leadership of the team and opined that it will bring in new ideas. He hailed young allrounder Shaikh’s man management skills.
“After the squad was relegated last year, we thought we should bring in new ideas and a change at the top. Naushad stands out because he is a consistent performer with the bat anyway but he is thinking cricketer and is an excellent man-manager, so hopefully it will work for the team,” Kale told Sportstar.
Shaikh has expressed his shock and joy over his appointment as the skipper while he believes that the presence of senior players like Kedar Jadhav will help the team bounce back.
“It came as a surprise but I am thrilled and honoured with the responsibility,” Shaikh said. “With so many seniors in the squad, we hope to start well and bounce back this year.”
Maharashtra is set to kick off their Group C journey against Haryana on December 9 in Rohtak.