Newcomers relish Ranji call-up

Kajania and Suyal,both first timers in the state team feature in the 15-member squad announced by the selectors in the Capital on Monday. In the absence of Delhi’s big names — Virender Sehwag,Ashish Nehra,Gautam Gambhir,Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli all missing due to national duties — the newcomers are hoping to find their names in the playing XI against Baroda and Karnataka.

“I could not believe my ears when I heard the news. I was not expecting this at all,but am really excited,” Suyal told Sportline. Suyal says that if given the chance in the first XI,he will leave no stone unturned in grabbing the opportunity with both hands.

“I want to give it my all. Less than two years ago,I didn’t even know what the domestic structure was like and now my name is in the Ranji squad. You never know where life takes you,” Suyal said.

Having never met the likes of Sehwag and Gambhir in his life,Suyal claims that bowling to them in the nets will be an exciting task but nevertheless a daunting one. “I arrived in Delhi from Pauri to become a policeman. Soon I will be bowling to my heroes in the nets. Cricket has really changed a lot of things for me,” he added.

Wait ends

Playing club cricket for Lal Bahadur Shastri Cricket Academy,Kajania waited for this chance.

“I am happy that the selectors have faith in me. I was waiting for this opportunity and I would like to thank my coach Sanjay Bharadwaj. I would not have been able to do it without his effort,” Kajania said.

While Suyal’s journey to the squad has been an unplanned one,Kajania’s road into the state side has been more meticulous. However,on the morning of the season opener,both prospective debutants will put equal faith in the hope to earn their Delhi Ranji caps.