Vidarbha ‘raring’ to go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WITH convincing wins over formidable teams like Maharashtra and Haryana in their last two league games, former two-time Ranji Trophy champions Vidarbha are “raring” to go against another top domestic team Karnataka when they square-up in the quarter-finals of the premier BCCI event at VCA Civil Lines ground from Friday. Both the teams have played against each other seven times in the competition with Karnataka ending up being the better side on six occasions. But the only time Vidarbha got better of the team from down South, they won the championship — their maiden one. After topping Group A this season, a confident Vidarbha, who have peaked at the right time, need three more wins to lift the title for the third time. When Vidarbha won the first Ranji title (and made a double next year), they pipped Karnataka in semi-final at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata by just five runs in an intense match. The hosts will have to match that intensity to beat a strong Karnataka to move one step closer to lifting that trophy once again. Though Vidarbha have home advantage in addition to a very balanced side, it is easier said than done.

 

Faiz Fazal called it a day after playing the last league game and that opens a slot for a youngster to fit in. Atharva Taide, professionals Dhruv Shorey and Karun Nair, Yash Rathod and skipper Akshay Wadkar have had great support from vice-captain Aditya Sarvate, who missed his second First-Class hundred by just a single against Haryana, in the league phase. Vidarbha, in most likelihood, will include Mohit Kale to bolster the batting though they have also named Aman Mokhade in place of Faiz in the team of 17. Under Umesh Yadav’s wings, young pacers — lanky Aditya Thakare and well-built Yash Thakur have been doing a fantastic job. Sarvate, who has already taken 30 wickets this season, (same as Thakare) with his left-arm orthodox spin, has always delivered when the ball is thrown to him. Another seasoned spinner Akshay Wakhare performed his role to perfection against Haryana. The turf for the important game looks a shade greener than the one provided for the match against Haryana. It will interesting to see whether the hosts go in with the same combination (except for the forced change due to Faiz’s retirement) or make some changes.

 

When the two sides played at the same venue six summers ago, Vidarbha had a professional in Ganesh Satish, a former Karnataka player who hit fifties in both innings. Nair was in the opposition side then. Fast forward six years and you find Nair in Vidarbha ranks. This will be for the first time that Nair will be playing for Vidarbha against his home State. His runs as well as the inputs will be vital. Though Karnataka finished second behind Tamil Nadu in the league phase, they still are among top sides in the country. Led by India player Mayank Agrawal, the team boasts of India discard Manish Pandey and veteran opener Samarth R along with seamers Vyshak Vijaykumar, Koushik Vasuki and Vidwath Kaverappa who have been doing all the damage up front. It will be a an absorbing battle for sure. Karnataka: Mayank Agarwal (C), Nikin Jose SJ (VC), Samarth R, Manish Pandey, Sharath Srinivas (WK), Aneesh KV, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Koushik Vasuki, Kishan Bedare, Hardik Raj, Vidwath Kaverappa, Venkatesh M, Sujay Sateri (WK), Shashikumar K, Dheeraj Gowda, Rohit Kumar AC.