JAIPUR: Rajasthan opened their 2021-22 Ranji Trophy campaign with a 158-point victory over Andhra in their Elite Group E match in Trivandrum on Sunday. An important victory, said captain Ashok Menaria, stressing that no team can afford a lax attitude, given that the season is cut short this year.
“Starting with a win always boosts your confidence in any tournament. But yeah, this year in the Ranji league stage, with only three games to go, there’s no chance to bounce back. So I’m happy that we are off to a good start,” Menaria said.
Rajasthan concluded proceedings on the final day within two hours of the day’s game as Andhra were knocked out for 209 in 53.3 overs after resuming at 100/4. Left arm spinner Shubham Sharma (4-32) and Aniket Choudhary (3-50) were the top bowlers.
Rajasthan’s first order looked shaky but the captain backed openers Yash Kothari and Manender Singh, and also praised Mahipal Lomror’s effort in the second set where he hit 79 from 140 balls.
“I don’t think I need to speak to Yash and Manender. They are in good form and one game cannot define them. It was a tough ground and neither our openers nor Andhra’s could do much- thing. I would like to add that Mahipal’s kick was crucial and he did a brilliant job. He showed a lot of courage,” the 31-year-old said.
Lomror came out at bat in the sixth after Kothari was trapped LBW.
Additionally, left-arm dressmaker Khaleel Ahmed is still recovering and won’t be available for the entire group stage. But heading into the second game, scheduled for February 24 against Uttarakhand, Rajasthan will have the services of drummer Rahul Chahar. Manav Suthar should give way to him.
“I can’t say what the team’s combination will be in the next game. Pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti and slugger Deepak Karwasra are now out of mandatory quarantine and will be available for selection. We’ll take the call later, but Rahul is definitely there. The guy who plays at Indian level should be in the squad if he is available,” added Menaria.
Brief score: Rajasthan 275 and 316 beat Andhra 224 and 209 in 53.3 overs (P Tapaswi 44, Y Sandeep 43, R Bhui 39; S Sharma 4-32, A Choudhary 3-50) by 158 runs. Rajasthan: 6 points, Andhra: 0.
“Starting with a win always boosts your confidence in any tournament. But yeah, this year in the Ranji league stage, with only three games to go, there’s no chance to bounce back. So I’m happy that we are off to a good start,” Menaria said.
Rajasthan concluded proceedings on the final day within two hours of the day’s game as Andhra were knocked out for 209 in 53.3 overs after resuming at 100/4. Left arm spinner Shubham Sharma (4-32) and Aniket Choudhary (3-50) were the top bowlers.
Rajasthan’s first order looked shaky but the captain backed openers Yash Kothari and Manender Singh, and also praised Mahipal Lomror’s effort in the second set where he hit 79 from 140 balls.
“I don’t think I need to speak to Yash and Manender. They are in good form and one game cannot define them. It was a tough ground and neither our openers nor Andhra’s could do much- thing. I would like to add that Mahipal’s kick was crucial and he did a brilliant job. He showed a lot of courage,” the 31-year-old said.
Lomror came out at bat in the sixth after Kothari was trapped LBW.
Additionally, left-arm dressmaker Khaleel Ahmed is still recovering and won’t be available for the entire group stage. But heading into the second game, scheduled for February 24 against Uttarakhand, Rajasthan will have the services of drummer Rahul Chahar. Manav Suthar should give way to him.
“I can’t say what the team’s combination will be in the next game. Pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti and slugger Deepak Karwasra are now out of mandatory quarantine and will be available for selection. We’ll take the call later, but Rahul is definitely there. The guy who plays at Indian level should be in the squad if he is available,” added Menaria.
Brief score: Rajasthan 275 and 316 beat Andhra 224 and 209 in 53.3 overs (P Tapaswi 44, Y Sandeep 43, R Bhui 39; S Sharma 4-32, A Choudhary 3-50) by 158 runs. Rajasthan: 6 points, Andhra: 0.
