Saurabh Kumar switches allegiance to Andhra from Uttar Pradesh before the start of the new domestic season in India.
Ahead of the upcoming domestic season, Uttar Pradesh-born left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar is expected to go to Andhra. Both the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) have approved the move. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) must give its consent, it is anticipated that this will only be a formality.
The 32-year-old spinner Saurabh has received the required NOC from his home state. He was a member of the Indian team during the series against England last year as well as the international trips to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He has taken 324 wickets at an outstanding average of 26.45 in 79 first-class matches, making him a prolific wicket-taker in domestic cricket.
“I am excited to play for Andhra. I am looking forward to the coming season. I hope to guide Andhra to the title at least in format and to the final of the Ranji Trophy,” Saurabh told.
Last year, Andhra had a poor domestic season; they lost to UP in the SMAT preliminary quarterfinals despite winning five of their six Group E games, and they missed the VHT knockout round after winning just four of their seven Group B games. They finished the Ranji Trophy with 13 points, one victory, three draws, and an equal number of losses, missing out on the knockout stages.
On Sunday, June 8, the ACA convened its AGM in Vijayawada, and the transfer was authorised by the general body. According to an Andhra cricket official, all of the team’s senior players, including captain Ricky Bhui, Hanuma Vihari, and KS Bharat, support the Saurabh move.