Badrinath to replace Tendulkar

Mumbai: Prolific Tamil Nadu batsman S Badrinath was on Saturday named as a replacement for master batsman Sachin Tendulkar in the Rest of India team for the upcoming Irani Cup tie against Ranji champions Delhi.

Badrinath was chosen after master batsman Tendulkar opted out on the advice of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) physio Paul Close. Close has advised a seven-day rehabilitation programme for Tendulkar to attend to his stiff left elbow.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Niranjan Shah told cricketnirvana.com that the national selectors conveyed to him their decision on Saturday after a discussion amongst themselves. Interestingly, another senior pro Sourav Ganguly already excluded, was not considered by the selection panel.

When asked about the same, Shah said it was upto the selection panel to take a call. "They feel Sourav cannot be named a replacement. If he has to be in the squad then it has to be by right,'' added Shah.

For Badrinath, however, this is good news because it is yet another recognition of his consistent showing in the domestic circuit over the last few years. Badrinath is currently in Chennai leading the India 'A' team in a triangular series also involving New Zealand 'A' and Australia 'A'.

India 'A' vice-captain Suresh Raina will now step-up to lead the side in the absence of Badrinath in the remaining fixtures of the tri-series.

Badrinath scored a fighting half-century to lead India 'A' to a hard-fought win over New Zealand 'A' in the opening round in Hyderabad just earlier this week.