The Group B match between Delhi and Punjab, beginning in New Delhi on Wednesday, will see Yuvraj Singh playing his first match of the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy.
Yuvraj's return is a boost for Punjab, who conceded first innings lead in their first two matches against Andhra and Madhya Pradesh.
The 36-year-old southpaw, who last played for India in June 2017, will also be available for Punjab's next two matches against Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Rising star Shubman Gill will not be playing the game as he is with the India 'A' team in New Zealand.
Like Punjab, Delhi too would be aiming for their first win of the season, having drawn their matches against Hyderabad and Himachal Pradesh. The Nitish Rana-led side will be disappointed after conceding the first innings lead in the away tie against Hyderabad.
Senior player Gautam Gambhir, who had missed the Hyderabad game due to injury, is set to return for the home game.
Lead Delhi pacer Navdeep Saini remains unavailable as he is also in New Zealand.
Gambhir's presence will lend much needed solidity to the batting line-up which faltered against Hyderabad.
Opener Hiten Dalal, Lalit Yadav and skipper Rana missed out on scoring big hundreds which could have helped the team overcome Hyderabad's first innings total of 460.
Dhruv Shorey, who began his season with an 88 and 106 not out against Himachal, also failed with the bat in Hyderabad.
© 2024 Rediff.com -