Zimbabwe head-coach Lalchand Rajput’s son Akhil is all set to make his debut for Mizoram as an outstation player in the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2018-19.

Besides Akhil, Punjab’s 29-year-old all-rounder Taruwar Kohli and Karantaka’s 27-year-old leg-spinner Sinan Abdul Khader –who played with Virat Kohli in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, have been also roped in by the Cricket Association of Mizoram (CAM) for the upcoming season.

On Tuesday (4 September), CAM secretary Mamon Majumdar has confirmed the latest development and revealed that former Karnataka coach P V Shashikant has been named as Head coach of Mizoram.

Majumdar told Sportstar, “We have roped in three outstation players. Akhil had sent his biodata. We were impressed with him. Our office-bearers highly recommended him. Even Taruwar has been a fantastic player for his state. There’s a lot of excitement in the state to play under the BCCI’s aegis.”

He further added, “Former Karnataka coach P V Shashikant will take charge of Mizoram side after Ashok Malhotra withdrew citing personal reasons.”

Mizoram are one of nine new teams for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, as they will start their campaign from the Plate Group. He further added, “We have been knocking the door for 26 years. We have got a platform now. Most of our talents have faded away, but I’m expecting a good show. We have a lot of talents. The target is to finish top-four from the group.”

Meanwhile, Lalchand Rajput, who is a former India opener and the former Team Manager of the Indian Cricket Tem has expressed his delight on his son's selection. 

Rajput mentioned, “I am really happy that Mizoram has taken him. I am sure he will provide the Mumbai touch, the khadoos attitude to the team.”

Noteworthy, the 25-year-old Akhil Rajput is a left-handed top-order batsman and an off-spinner, who has earlier played in local tournaments in Mumbai.