KOCHI: Chasing 297 on the final day can never be easy and Kerala were up against when they came out to bat in the fourth innings against Himachal Pradesh in a do-or-die last group match in the
Ranji Trophy. But captain
Sachin Baby believed that it was not impossible and instilled the confidence in his teammates as they played positive
cricket
and advanced to the quarterfinals for the second season running.
“We were positive that we could chase the target because the outfield was quick and if we see off the new ball without losing wickets, we knew runs could be scored quickly on this wicket, ” said Sachin who guided the team with a responsible but busy 92 after
Vinoop Manoharan
had set the platform.
“Vinoop is someone who bats freely and we thought he could give us a good start and thankfully it clicked. I have seen him opening the batting in club cricket,” said Sachin of the decision to open with the allrounder who usually bats in the lower-order.
Not going through to the quarters would have been disappointing, feels Sachin. “When I came out to bat, my only thinking was that we should win it. We have been putting a lot of effort from the start of the season and I did not want that to come to no effect. I had no pressure. This season whenever I have got starts I have been able to go on and make a good score. So I knew if I get a start and start middling, I can take the team to victory,” he said.
Sachin also lauded
Sanju Samson who scored an aggressive half-century to finish off the chase. “It was a critical time when Sanju came into bat. They were on the ascendancy picking up two wickets. He played his natural game and took the game away from them in no time,” he said.
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