Rajasthan XI skipper Pankaj Singh hopeful of a good season

FILE PHOTO: Pankaj Singh, who made his Test debut earlier this year, will be leading Rajsthan XI

New Delhi – Captain Pankaj Singh on Thursday hoped that a newly-formed Rajasthan XI will have a good season ahead, after the state cricket body Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) was suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for elected former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi as its president.

"It can be a confusing time but BCCI helped the players really well. Several players got offers from other teams but most of them are convinced that they will continue to play for Rajasthan under the BCCI," the 29-year-old, who is currently representing Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, told reporters at the Ferozeshah Kotla here.

"After playing 10-12 years there and being a leader, I thought it would not be good to move away from the state team. Our one-day team has already been selected and the Ranji squad will be selected very soon and hopefully we will prepare well and perform well in the upcoming season."

Pankaj, who made his Test debut in the Indian tour of England couple of months ago, said that he had a very good experience playing for India and promised to work hard to get a chance for the tour to Australia.

"I enjoyed my stint with the Indian team and learned a lot. But I didn't play well. And I will do what will be possible from my side and my inclusion in the national team depends on the selectors. I am ready to work hard and improve my bowling," said the medium pacer.