Umesh, Bhuvneshwar, Gurkeerat released for Ranji duties

Bengaluru: The Indian team management on Saturday released pace duo of Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar besides all-rounder Gurkeerat Singh Mann from the Test squad to enable them to play their next Ranji Trophy matches for their respective state sides.

The three players were part of the Indian Test side, which is currently playing the second cricket Test against South Africa which started in Bengaluru.

"They will join their respective state teams for the next round of Ranji Trophy matches," a statement from the BCCI said.

Umesh played the first Test against South Africa before making way for Ishant Sharma in the ongoing second match.

"Karnataka Ranji Trophy players, Karun Nair and Mayank Agarwal will assist the Indian team as reserve players during the second Test Match at Bengaluru," the BCCI release added.

While Umesh will turn for his state team Vidarbha against Rajasthan in a Group A Ranji Trophy match from November 15 to 18, Bhuvneshwar will play for Uttar Pradesh against Tamil Nadu in Kanpur.

Gurkeerat, who had been drafted into the Indian team ahead of the second Test against South Africa, will turn up for Punjab against Baroda in Vadodara.