The current Test skipper of the India team, Virat Kohli has been named in Delhi's squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but has to play under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir in the North Zone leg of the competition between December 10 and 18.
Apart from Kohli, other members of the India team such as opening batsman, Shikhar Dhawan and fast bowler, Ishant Sharma are also included in the side, which is going to strengthen their team immensely.
Cricket fans might be surprised that Kohli has not been named as the captain of the side. Vinay Lamba, the chairman of selectors does not want to make a 'big issue' out of it.
"We had announced Gautam as the captain for the whole season as the international players were not supposed to be available. I don't think one should make a big issue if Virat plays under Gautam," PTI quoted Lamba as saying.
Kohli, Dhawan and Ishant are presently playing in the ongoing fourth Test match at Feroz Shah Kotla and the selectors have not been able to get in touch with them so their confirmation depends upon their availability.
It will not be surprising if these players, especially Kohli decides to opt out and get the much-needed rest after a gruelling India-South Africa series, which ends in a few days time. Kohli, who was an integral member of the ODI and T20 series, also helped the side win the ongoing Test series. Lamba is aware of such things and have hence kept three players in stand by as well if any of these three players are not available for the competition.
"Look we have not had any direct contact with the players but we did not want to take any chances in case they are available. But as a safety measure, we have kept three stand byes also," Lamba said.