Indian Test cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin, Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik were named in the 16-member Tamil Nadu squad for the Ranji Trophy 2018, starting on November 1.

Baba Indrajith has been shouldered with the responsibility to lead the side which also includes promising all-rounder Washington Sundar and Vijay Shankar.

S Abhishek Tanwar is the new face in the Tamil Nadu squad. The 27-year old medium-pacer had impressed one and will with his showing in the third edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League for Madurai Panthers.

The team will be missing the services of left-arm paceman T Natarajan and right-arm medium-pacer K Vignesh, who sustained injuries recently. The pace attack comprised of M Mohammed, J Kousik, Tanwar and R Rohit. Besides Ashwin, Rahil Shah and R Sai Kishore are the two other spinners in the squad.

"It is a balanced team and we have all the bases covered. They will do well," Tamil Nadu’s selection panel chief S Sharath told PTI.

Echoing the selection committee chairman, captain Indrajith said it is a well-balanced squad and the presence of Test stars like Ashwin, Vijay and Karthik is a great boost for them.

"It is a good all-round side and a balanced one. I am confident we will do well. Ashwin's presence gives the team a boost and along with Rahil Shah and Washington Sundar, gives the spin department a strong look," Baba Indrajith said.

Tamil Nadu begins its Ranji Trophy 2018 campaign against Madhya Pradesh at Dindigul on November 1.

Tamil Nadu Squad:

B Indrajith (Captain), M Kaushik Gandhi, Abhinav Mukund, M Vijay, Vijay Shankar, B Aparajith, Dinesh Karthik, N Jagadeesan, M S Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, R Sai Kishore, Rahil S Shah, M Mohammed, J Kousik, R Rohit, S Abhishek Tanwar