Ranji Trophy: Goa face tall order at home

Porvorim: Goa have a battle on their hand as they try to thwart Rajasthan in the penultimate round of the Elite Group C Ranji Trophy match at the Academy ground, Porvorim, on Sunday.

On paper, this is a lopsided clash as the hosts, languishing at the bottom, face the table toppers. The visitors have 37 points and lead the group after seven matches, while Goa have six points to their credit after losing five of the seven matches.

“It’s been a disappointing season. Our batsmen just didn’t show any patience and failed to perform time and again. Bowlers like Krishna Das and others have stood up,” said Goa coach

Prakash Mayekar

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Mayekar will be hoping that the hosts end their campaign with a flourish and somehow escape the bottom spot. With a decent record at home, maybe there is still some hope.

The teams had an extensive training session on Saturday. While Goa looked to iron out their deficiency in batting, Rajasthan captain Mahipal Lomror and the management remained busy discussing the finer points.

Mayekar admitted Goa will have to play out of their skin to stop the visitors, but pointed to the glorious uncertainties of the game.

“True, we are at the bottom. That doesn’t mean we will go down easily. We are playing at home and Rajasthan can expect a good fight. You cannot afford to take us lightly,” said the Goa coach.

Rajasthan, on the other hand, have enough firepower in their batting and bowling, and have been quite unstoppable this season. They registered comfortable victories over Jammu & Kashmir, Services, Jharkhand, Assam, while Odisha did create some hurdles in their 35-run win.

With Uttar Pradesh (32) and Jharkhand (30 points) not too far behind in the race for the top spot, Rajasthan cannot afford to lower their guard.

“We know Goa is struggling but that doesn’t mean we will take things for granted. We will go for an outright win. With Jharkhand doing well, we don’t want to take any chance,” said captain Mahipal.

Teams
Goa: Sagun Kamat (captain), Krishna Das, Sumiran Amonkar, Amit Verma, Snehal Kauthankar, Darshan Misal, Prathamesh Gawas, Amulya Pandrekar, Lakshay Garg, Amogh Desai, Vijesh Prabhudesai, Suyash Prabhudesai, Samar Dubhashi, Felix Alemao, Maliksab Sirur.

Rajasthan: Mahipal Lomror (captain) Rajesh Bishnoi jrm Amit Gautam, Mahendra Singh (wk), Chetan Bist (wk), Rajesh Bishnoi sr., Ashok Menaria, Salman Khan, Rohin Bist, Deepak Chahar, Rahul Chahar, Tejendra Singh, Aniket Choudhary, Nathu Singh, Tanveer Ul Haq.