Top 5 cricketers under spotlight as Ranji Trophy season begins

3. Zaheer Khan (Haryana vs Mumbai at Rohtak)

India needs Zaheer Khan back in top form and fitness, and selectors would be gauging the former more in Haryana

If Zaheer Khan is able to break into the Indian side again, something which doesn’t seem as unlikely as it did earlier this year, it would be the second inspiring comeback story in his career.

Last time around, it was England, where at Worcestershire he perfected his skills and came back a different bowler, one who became an exceptional leader of a mediocre Indian bowling attack and led them to No. 1 ranking in Tests and a World Cup title.

This time around, it’s not his skills, but fitness which has been questioned. And this time it was France where he went to reignite his career, and has returned looking much fitter.

He slowly got better in the 2 matches he played against West Indies A, and if he’s prepared to fight it out some more in domestic cricket, he’ll be the first name on selectors’ list. After Ajit Agarkar’s retirement, he’ll be leading the defending champions Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, and will be closely monitored by the selectors.