Duleep Trophy: India Blue and India Green in must-win clash

With defending champion India Red in the final, now it is time for India Blue and India Green to fight it out for the other berth.

The India Blue skipper Faiz Fazal is confident of his team doing well in the crucial match.

With defending champion India Red having sealed place in the final, it’s time now for India Blue and India Green to play to their full potential for the other berth, when both sides face off in a crucial Duleep Trophy clash at the NPR College grounds here on Wednesday.

The Blue’s skipper Faiz Fazal knows well that his boys could have pulled if off against the Red last week but, this time around, he does not want any let-ups. “We started well when we were chasing the target but, to be honest it was a little difficult because the wicket was not that great for batting. It was turning a bit but no complaints about that. Never mind there are always chances that we can create and let’s see how it goes.” he said.

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“It’s an important game for us and as a team we are looking forward to playing in the final. A final showdown means an extra chance for all of us to perform,” he added.

Fazal found the wicket here a bit dry. “I did not find the ball moving and even if it did, it was only for a few overs and nothing later on.”

The Green’s skipper Parthiv Patel, on the other hand, wants his boys to go out there and enjoy and, along with it, dish out some good performances. “There’s nothing special for tomorrow’s game. We are going to play with the same pink ball, obviously, we cannot pull out a white ball but we will certainly have some fun. The equation is simple – you get a lead or win outright and that’s clear on our mind,” he said.

The team will certainly miss the services of all-rounder Jalaj Saxena and fast bowler Ankit Rajpoot, for the vital clash. “I know that but it’s a nice opportunity for them to play at a higher level (India ‘A’) and also for the other young guys in the team to go out and prove as well,” said Parthiv.

The duo’s absence may well tilt the scales slightly in the Blue’s favour.

“I don’t feel that way. I always believe that good bowlers like them must be around, and if you perform against them then you get some credit. But I must say, they still have some good options. Their youngsters are really good and performing well and that’s why they are here playing the Duleep Trophy. It’s a do-or-die situation for both of the teams and so expect a great game,” said Fazal.