Unadkat says Saurashtra vs Tamil Nadu conflict a “contest of equals” forward of Ranji Trophy quarterfinals

Saurashtra skipper Jaydev Unadkat referred to as his facet’s quarterfinal conflict in opposition to Tamil Nadu a contest of equals regardless of the defending champion having a core group of gamers who’ve received the title twice within the final three years.

“We have played many more high-intensity games in the last three or four seasons. And that does help the players when they are put under pressure. But I would still say it’s a contest of equals because they are playing at home and know the conditions well,” stated the left-arm pacer who has led his facet to each its titles.

At the identical time, the 32-year-old added, “Tamil Nadu is here (in the knockouts) after six seasons, and I hope that they feel that pressure of playing that knockout game more than we do because we have been here more in the last few seasons.”

Like Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra additionally began slowly, shedding a sport at dwelling to Haryana, earlier than racking up the wins within the final 5 rounds.

“I think we haven’t been a hundred per cent in terms of our performances. I would say we were right up there in some of the games, especially in the last couple of games,” stated Unadkat about his facet’s performances.

“That’s why it’s always better to peak at the right time, and that’s what matters at the end.”

Preview | Tamil Nadu faces stern check in opposition to defending champion Saurashtra in quarterfinal

However, Tamil Nadu head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni stated his staff was not awed by the event. “If you think a knockout match is a different ball game, it becomes different. It is all about mindset. I want the players to treat this as a routine match, just like how we played Karnataka or Punjab in the group stage,” remarked Kulkarni.

“We have a good blend of youth and experience. If we keep reminding the players that it is a knockout match, they might do something different.”

On taking over the defending champions, Kulkarni stated, “I respect Saurashtra because they play a good brand of cricket. They know how to win, but we need not think too much about our opponents. We beat them at Chepauk last year.”

“This is an opportunity for TN to become a champion team, and what is required is to beat the champion team,” he added.