Ranji Trophy 2023-24: A revamped Kerala takes on in-form Andhra

A brand new look Kerala aspect underneath stand-in captain Sachin Baby will tackle the in-form Andhra within the seventh spherical of the Ranji Trophy cricket match on the Dr PVG Raju ACA sports activities Complex stadium right here on Friday.

Not a lot is at stake for Kerala when it comes to qualification as it’s out of rivalry for a spot within the knockout spherical, however definitely the customer will wish to finish the season on a excessive.

Kerala is coming into the match with the arrogance it gained within the win over Bengal at house. Sachin Baby has been a heavyweight contributor for Kerala this season with 717 runs which included three centuries. He has usually come to his aspect’s rescue in nearly all matches this season.

Now the Kerala selectors have given extra accountability of captaincy to Sachin Baby for the final match after Sanju Samson was allowed relaxation. With no Sanju Samson (relaxation), Rohan Prem (retired), Vishnu Vinod (dropped) and Akhin Sathar (injured), the group administration is eager to check the bench power and can give probabilities to gamers who’re to get a sport this season.

“The win in opposition to Bengal was good and it was a close to good match for us. But we’re up in opposition to Andhra which has been enjoying good cricket this season. Andhra has certified however we anticipate them to come back at us exhausting and will probably be a tricky match. We don’t have anything to lose and since we shall be making an attempt new gamers, I would like the boys to play fearlessly. Sachin Baby is sort of skilled and he was the pure selection as captain when Sanju was rested. I anticipate Jalaj to get better and be match for the match. We wish to finish the season on a excessive,’’ stated Kerala coach M. Venkataramana.

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But Kerala has its activity lower out in opposition to Ricky Bhui’s Andhra which is searching for its first win at house this season. Ricky has topped the season’s run scoring chart with a staggering 773 runs and continues to be hungrier for extra. Andhra bats deep and runs from decrease order batters have contributed to the aspect’s sterling present this season. A.

Lalith Mohan, Nithish Kumar Reddy and Girinath Reddy have gotten wickets when their group wanted it most. With a powerful away document this season, Andhra shall be seeking to set its house document straight on the expense of Kerala.