Pujara, Rohit not to play in Ranji final

New Delhi: A BCCI official has confirmed that Saurashtra's Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma of Mumbai will not be released for the Ranji Trophy final, starting January 26 at the Wankhede Stadium.

There were speculation that both the batsmen from either side will be released, but a senior BCCI office-bearer has categorically denied.

"Neither among the trio of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma will be released for the Ranji Trophy final. They will be with the Indian team for the fourth and fifth one-dayers at Mohali and Dharamsala, respectively," the senior BCCI official confirmed on Monday.

Saurashtra will clash with Mumbai in the final at the Wankhede Stadium starting January 26.

"We have never released players for domestic matches during a one-day series. It is only during Test series that we follow the rule of releasing at least three reserve players so that they can get serious match time," he said.

Even Mumbai captain Ajit Agarkar clarified that there is no chance of Sharma joining the squad for the summit clash.

"He is with the Indian squad in the middle of an ODI series. Why should he be released when he has just been named in the squad for the last two matches," Agarkar said.

India and England will be playing the fourth ODI at Mohali on January 23 followed by the final match of the series at Dharamsala on January 27.

While in the first semi-final Saurashtra defeated Punjab at Rajkot to enter their maiden Ranji Trophy final. In the other one at Palam, Mumbai advanced to their 44th final appearance on the basis of first innings lead against Services.

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