Murali Vijay set to make Ranji comeback

Murali Vijay is all set to return to competitive cricket, as he will step out to bat for Tamil Nadu for their match against Mumbai on Thursday. The batsman from Chennai will be featuring in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, after brief spell away from action. He seeks to get some game time after being out of action for nearly two months with a hamstring injury.

This would be a crucial match for him as he looks to make a comeback post his injury, to the Indian test squad for the series against the Proteas from November 5.

The opener’s inclusion will boost the Tamil Nadu batting line-up against a formidable Mumbai side. He could also feature in Tamil Nadu’s game against Services beginning on October 30, or choose to play the two-day match between Board President's XI and the South Africans, also starting on the same day.

A Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) official confirmed the development and said Vijay would join the team, which has already reached Mumbai, latest by today morning. "Vijay is fit and will be joining the side on October 13, two days ahead of our game against Mumbai. Vijay has been batting in the nets for some days now and appears to be in good touch. In all probability, he will be playing the match," said a team official to Cricbuzz.

Vijay missed the first and third Tests in Sri Lanka due to the injury, but contributed 0 and 82 in India's 278-run win at the second Test in the P Sara Oval in Colombo. He has been one of India's most dependable batsmen over the last two years, forming a tough alliance with Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order. India’s incessant opening woes could come to an end with the reinstating of the Tamil Nadu star.

Vijay was part of India’s preparatory camp in Bengaluru, before the start of the series against South Africa and was among the 12 players, who were released to play domestic first-class games.

Though he wasn't officially named in the squad, there always was a possibility of him being drafted in the side just before a game. On the advice of the Indian team physio Patrick Farhart, Vijay continued with his rehabilitation and has now attained full fitness.

The 31-year-old has been getting garnering match fitness in the last few days. "He did practice for a few days at the IIT Chemplast Grounds before leaving for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru," said a TNCA official. In all probability, he will replace K Bharat Shankar in the playing XI.

Tamil Nadu, however, will not have the services of batting allrounder Vijay Shankar, who is recovering from an injured shoulder that also kept him out of their first two matches. The 24-year-old, who is not travelling with the team, will be assessed by TNCA's physio today morning to determine his availability for future games.