Ranji Trophy 2023/24: Bengal’s new title hunt begins with Andhra check

Bengal and Andhra embark on their new 10-week First-Class journey once they face one another within the opening match of the Ranji Trophy season right here on the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium right here on Friday.

Both, Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary and his Andhra counterpart Hanuma Vihari had totally different plans when the earlier season ended. Tiwary introduced his retirement and Vihari confirmed curiosity in transferring to Madhya Pradesh.

CHECK | Which is probably the most profitable group in Ranji Trophy historical past?

However, as issues panned out, each finally reversed their choices and can stroll out for the toss, main their groups in hope of one other shot on the elusive silverware, which Bengal final gained in 1989-90 and Andhra is but to get its fingers on.

Bengal, and Tiwary, have been one win away from clinching the title final yr and fell brief within the remaining towards Saurashtra. With an analogous core, and extra expertise, the group would hope to start its journey on a excessive.

Despite Andhra’s lack of prime 4 finishes within the event up to now, it boasts of a well-rounded assault in all three departments with a mix of youth and expertise.

The indisputable fact that the VDCA floor hasn’t hosted a First-Class match in additional than 4 years, the final being India-South Africa Test in October 2019, provides a layer to the competition. because the groups would possibly take time to familiarise with considerably unknown circumstances.

Andhra will financial institution on the expertise of Vihari, Ashwin Hebber, and Ricky Bhui within the center order whereas Bengal’s batting would revolve round Sudip Gharami, Anustup Majumdar, and Tiwary.

The breeze across the floor will preserve the bowlers inquisitive about any motion on supply particularly within the night session. While Akash Deep and Ishan Porel will lead Bengal’s marketing campaign with the ball, it’ll be Mohammed Kaif, coming off a passable Vijay Hazare Trophy, who may spring a shock.

But Bengal batters will probably be range of the Andhra assault that features Okay.V. Sasikanth, Lalith Mohan, Nitish Reddy, and Shaoib Khan. Even if the pitch supplies straightforward scoring, because it has in restricted overs, this quartet gained’t merely give runs away.