Murali Vijay, who played two matches earlier in the Vijay Hazare Trophy scoring 11 and 51 against Gujarat and Goa respectively, was dropped from Tamil Nadu's team for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Indian opener was replaced by Pradosh Ranjan.

Vijay had opted out for Group C encounter against Mumbai because of his shoulder injury. But the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) decided to sit him for the remainder matches of the tournament.

“I just feel sad for whatever that has happened. Things could have been handled better. I’m set to talk with the TNCA officials soon and I feel things will be fine,” he said in an interaction with Times of India. 

“I felt let down that my commitment was questioned and I was hurt. I love playing for Tamil Nadu and take a lot of pride in representing the state. My dream is to win the Ranji Trophy for TN and I’m confident it will happen,” he added.

Reflecting on his performance in South Africa, Vijay said, “”In all the Tests, I had got in, played a few balls and had a look at the wicket. It all boils down to shot selection, which happens at that level. There were also good bowlers, bowling in the right channel and the pitches were a little difficult. I hope to apply the experience I had gained in the future tours,” said Vijay.

As per a TNCA official, ESPNCricinfo report, Vijay didn’t report at the SSN College ground, and the first word from his side only arrived to the coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar at about 7.30 AM with play to start an hour and a half later.

“How can we find a replacement at the last minute? Vijay didn’t report to the ground and neither did he inform the selectors about his injury. It was very disappointing to say the least,” says TNCA official.

Even Tamil Nadu's other opener Abhinav Mukund is out of action due to injury.

“This isn’t the first time something like this has happened,” a top TNCA official said before adding “The selectors weren’t even inclined towards picking him in the four-day squads [for the Ranji Trophy] in the first place because of issues with his attitude and general aloofness.”