Atlast, Mumbai is close to being knocked-off from this year's Ranji trophy. I think Mumbai is close to Australia in getting the distinction of being the 'team-to-beat'.
Sometimes, Mumbai has been awfully lucky to have Sachin Tendulkar during the quarters/semis/finals, who might have missed all the other matches and then play some blinder of a knock during these stages and massacre lesser grade bowlers! Tamil Nadu, a strong Ranji team lately, has been in the receiving end thanks to Sachin's flying visit knocks. This time, Mumbai is struggling against a talented Uttar Pradesh(UP) thanks to no Sachin or Wasim Jaffer. The desperation was there for all to see when Karsan Ghavri, Manager of Mumbai Ranji team requested board to release Wasim Jaffer from India duties if he is not in the playing eleven for playing for Mumbai during their crucial semis match agains UP, inspite of their home advantage.
UP seems to have some talented bowlers. One of them is Piyush Chawla, a leg-spinner. Piyush has been highly rated by lots of current and former India players including Anil Kumble. Hope Piyush makes an impact in international-circuit ones Kumble retires.
The other semis might also be an interesting affair thanks to no-superstars syndrome. There is no Pathan or Zaheer Khan or Sourov Ganguly. So, things are bound to be competitive.
One good pattern that I have noticed in most of the Ranji games is that, there seems to be lots of result-oriented matches for a Four-Day match. And home teams are keen to make sporting wickets(read bowling ones). Only if, India prepares bowling wickets for international matches....
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2 comments:
Sancha, how come, when it comes to cricket, u r supporting a Hindu (Piyush chawla)!! I m surprised as well happy!! – Anand
Anand,
:-)
Actually, I am yet to see Piyush Chawla bowl, hoping to see maybe in Ranji final.
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