Kumar Deobrat is set to be retained as Jharkhand's Ranji captain for the nextseason.

The JSCA wants to give the right-handed, middle-order batsman from Bokaro a longer run as skipper.

Deobrat (23), a former India Under-19 vice-captain, replaced Saurabh Tiwary as captain of the state Ranji team mid-way in the last season. He led Jharkhand in three Ranji matches (versus Assam, Tripura and Kerala) before quitting captaincy to concentrate on batting.

"Deobrat is young and talented. He is maturing as a cricketer. We want him to continue as captain. It won't be good to appoint a new skipper for the 2015-16 season. The association wants to give him ample time to hone his skills," said JSCA secretary Rajesh Verma.

The Bokaro lad, who graduated to senior level after proving his mettle in junior ties, has been improving his technique by leaps and bounds. When he was appointed captain in last season, many felt the burden would affect his performance. "But, Deobrat maintained his cool. He deserves a longer run at the helm," a JSCA official said.