Nagpur: Rewarding his consistent performance, Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) included wicketkeeper-batter Shivam Deshmukh in Vidarbha squad for the Irani Trophy. Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha will take on Rest of India (RoI) in the five-day match at VCA Jamtha Stadium from October 1.

VCA’s Senior Selection Committee, comprising Sudhir Wankhede, P Vivek and Jayesh Dongaokar, which met on Wednesday, picked the team. Left-handed batter Deshmukh, who hails from Dhamangaon Railways in Amravati, has shown consistency with the bat and his keeping skills. He has scored some big runs in the Dorairajan trophy. In the inaugural VPTL earlier this year he slammed a 42-ball 82 in the final against eventual champions Neco Master Blasters.

In the practice matches in Bengaluru (Thimmappiah Memorial

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