India's limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will play his first domestic game for Jharkhand in eight long years when they meet Jammu and Kashmir in a Group B game of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in Alur, Karnataka.
The 34-year-old last played for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match way back in 2007. This was after the Indian team, under Rahul Dravid, had a humiliating exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup, losing to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
However, Dhoni will play under India fast bower Varun Aaron's leadership.
Dhoni's last competitive match was the fifth ODI against the South Africa in Mumbai.
He is playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy to gear up for the hard and testing season ahead, which includes a limited-overs tour of Australia, T20 series against Sri Lanka, the Asia Cup T20 followed by the ICC World T20.
One can't also rule out a short series against Pakistan.
It will also be a stern yet learning test for the boys from Jammu and Kashmir as they get a chance to bowl to one of the finest players in limited-overs' cricket.
Apart from Parveez Rasool, who has played for India and IPL, the young guns from Jammu and Kashmir have not had a chance to fight it out with India's captain.
The likes of Shubham Khajuria, Hardeep Singh, Bandeep Singh will be able to learn a lot playing playing against Dhoni.
It will also be interesting if Dhoni takes some time out to interact with the J&K boys, just as Sachin Tendulkar did after they defeated Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium.
