Internet Desk: Talismanic all rounder Yuvraj Singh’s absence from the practice session today has raised speculation about his availability for Thursday’s Ranji Trophy clash against Bengal. Yuvraj, who scored a blistering knock of 177 runs against Madhya Pradesh, will no doubt be the main focus for tomorrow’s Ranji clash between the two teams.
Punjab coach Arun Sharma will have more concerns as Madeep Singh and Harbhajan Singh will miss the tie against Bengal starting tomorrow at the picturesque Luhnu ground in Bilaspur. Madeep is currently with the Indian team taking part in the ODI series against New Zealand while Harbhajan is undergoing rehabilitation and is expected to join the team for the next match.
Bengal on the other hand has no injury concerns. The team management is yet to decide on the final eleven. But the strip at Luhnu may prompt the team management to play an extra fast bowler. In that case Amit Quila will make his first class debut against Punjab.
Punjab had a comprehensive win against Madhya Pradesh in the last match. But the side coached by Arun Sharma did not have a great start to the season as they conceded a first innings lead in the first match against Railways.
Bengal though had a satisfying start to the season as they ensured three points against Uttar Pradesh courtesy a first innings lead. Rookie opener Abhimanyu Easwaran scored centuries in both innings against UP. Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary also got a great start to the season reaching his 22nd first class hundred.
With Manoj Tiwary and Pragyan Ojha in the team, Bengal would be able to match Punjab, led by Yuvraj Singh, in terms of high quality players. “Himachal offers very good playing conditions,” said the Punjab coach Arun Sharma, quite confident that his players would be able to capitalise on the conditions because of the relative familiarity.
Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary reckons it will be quite a challenging wicket to bat on. According to Manoj, “The wicket seems to favour the fast bowlers. So, it will be quite challenging for the batsman to stay at the crease irrespective of the form they are in. Everyone will have to start from the crutch.”
For records Bengal left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha will be playing his 100 first class matches. Manoj Tiwary has urged his teammates to make this match memorable for Pragyan.
“We know what their strengths and weakness are. We have prepared ourselves accordingly discussed in our team meetings.”
Pragyan Ojha, who will be achieving a milestone of playing 100 first class matches commented, “I had a tough phase in my career when I was banned from bowling due to my action. I cannot express my feelings to have come this far.”
It will only be the second first-class match at this ground in more than a decade, but going by the way Tamil Nadu recorded a 174-run victory over Railways in the first match a few days ago, it should be another cracker of a contest.
Bengal (Likely) : Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sayan Sekhar Mondal, Sudip Chatterjee, Manoj Tiwary, Agniv Pan, Pankaj Shaw, Sreevats Goswami, Aamir Gani, Pragyan Ojha, Ashoke Dinda & Sayan Ghosh