After having collected just a point in the opener, Tamil Nadu would want to come back in a stronger fashion against Hyderabad in a Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy clash at the Sankar Cements grounds on Monday.
Three of its stars are away on national duty but, the State skipper Baba Indrajith is still confident of scoring some extra points if the match goes the full distance.
“We were aware that these international stars will not be available even earlier but there are others who are talented. They will be making their debut either in the second or third game and we have played together in the league format as well. So, it is not going to be any different,” he said.
The skipper’s eyes is also on the weather chart as well. “I know there’s going to be some rain and it will be a start-stop game. If we get two to three days of play then we will take the lead,” he said.
About the opposition, Indrajith was quick to admit it is a decent team. “They had done well in Vijay Hazare and have carried the momentum into this tournament. There are also lots of known and upcoming cricketers. It’s a good squad.”
Interestingly, both teams have not met for a while in the Ranji Trophy. The home team has the edge as they will be on a familiar terrain. They had tested their skills at this venue in both the four-day format and the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
“I feel the wicket is slow and low and will get even slower by the day. Also, I don’t know how much it’s going to turn,” said Indrajith.
Will that open the door wide for C.V. Varun, the mystery spinner? “We have not decided yet. We already have some good spinners in the squad,” he said.
Akshath Reddy, the Hyderabad skipper, voiced similar feelings. “It looks a good batting track and, it can turn a bit on the third day. We will miss both Ambati Rayadu and Mohammed Siraj but we will have to play as it not an individual’s game. If we work as a team then we will definitely win the contest.”
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