RANJI TROPHY | Kerala and Uttar Pradesh will aim to get their red-ball fortunes back on track
The Hindu
After the high of the 2018-19 season, during which it entered the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever, Kerala hasn’t qualified for the knock-out stage of the premier cricket tournament. During the same period, Kerala earned the reputation as a dangerous side, capable of upsetting top teams, in T20 and limited overs cricket and entered the knock-out rounds consistently in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare competitions. A new Ranji season beckons and under the new coach M. Venkatramana, Kerala will be looking to replicate its recent success in white ball cricket into the longer format.
After the high of the 2018-19 season, during which it entered the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever, Kerala hasn’t qualified for the knock-out stage of the premier cricket tournament.
During the same period, Kerala earned the reputation as a dangerous side, capable of upsetting top teams, in T20 and limited overs cricket. It entered the knock-out rounds consistently in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare competitions.
A new Ranji season beckons and under new coach M. Venkatramana, Kerala will look to replicate its recent success in white ball cricket into the longer format.
The former India spinner is confident that Kerala can buck the trend if the team displays the required consistency and self belief during the course of the tournament.
However, Kerala faces a formidable foe in former champion Uttar Pradesh in the opening match of the campaign at the SD College ground, which is hosting a Ranji Trophy match for the first time, on Friday.
It is ironic that Uttar Pradesh too is striving to realise its full potential in red ball cricket after an underwhelming performance in the Ranji Trophy in the last couple of seasons.
Uttar Pradesh with Indian stars Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, the latest IPL sensation Sameer Rizvi along with seasoned cricketers Ankit Rajpoot and Saurabh Kumar will be a tough opponent for the host.
India triumphs over Belgium in a thrilling penalty shootout to advance to the men's junior World Cup semifinals.
Ryan ten Doeschate discusses India's strategies to improve death overs performance ahead of the decisive match against South Africa.
India faces South Africa in a thrilling ODI series decider, with key focus on the toss and bowlers' performance.
Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma shares insights on his bowling style and journey in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Matthew Breetzke praises his team's balanced batting line-up, highlighting confidence and power ahead of the upcoming ODI in Visakhapatnam.
Lando Norris confirms he won't ask teammate Piastri to yield in the F1 title battle against Verstappen at Abu Dhabi.
ISL clubs urge AIFF to resolve operational crisis before December 8 to avoid jeopardizing the future of Indian football.
Shafali Verma is nominated for ICC Women's Player of the Month alongside Esha Oza and Thipatcha Putthawong.
England tour of Australia: Australia vs England second Ashes Test in Brisbane Day-Night Test day 2 on december 5
Sunil Narine becomes the first cricketer to achieve 600 T20 wickets during a World ILT20 match for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold will be sidelined for two months due to a thigh muscle injury, missing crucial matches.
Arsenal strengthens Premier League lead as Chelsea falters at Leeds; Aston Villa secures thrilling win against Brighton.
Explore Virat Kohli's passion and drive as he defies retirement labels, showcasing brilliance in ODI cricket.