Vasuki Koushik leaves for Goa, Karun Nair returns to Karnataka

Vasuki Koushik, a 32-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Karnataka, has made a move to Goa for the upcoming season. He is one of the two professional players signed so far by the Goa Cricket Association (GCA). Koushik has secured a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has confirmed the switch. "We have signed Koushik. So far, that is the only confirmed transfer. We are exploring a few other options, but no names have been finalised yet," GCA secretary Shambha Desai told Cricbuzz on Saturday (July 19).

Arjun Tendulkar of Mumbai is the other professional who has been with the Goa team. The association had also pursued Yashasvi Jaiswal, but the move fell through after the India opener backed out after initially expressing interest.

Koushik featured in seven Ranji Trophy matches, five Vijay Hazare games, and 10 T20s for Karnataka last season, claiming 23, eight, and 18 wickets respectively. In the upcoming season, he could share the new ball with Tendulkar Jr for Goa, who were the Ranji Trophy Plate Group champions last year.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Goa finished fifth in Group A, and in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, they were placed sixth in their group. Darshan Misal captained the side in the Ranji and Vijay Hazare tournaments, while Deepraj Gaonkar led the team in the Mushtaq Ali competition.

Karnataka, meanwhile, have re-signed Karun Nair, the current India No 3, for the upcoming season. He was with Vidarbha for a couple of season but as , he has decided to return to his home state due to personal reasons.

On Saturday morning, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) announced names of 50 probables for the upcoming season, with pacer Mohammed Shami - currently out of the Indian team - heading the list. Also included is opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is currently touring England with the Shubman Gill-led Indian Test squad. The probables' list was released by CAB secretary Naresh Ojha.