What are VVS Laxman's tips for Bengal to win the Ranji Trophy?
Sabyasachi Bagchi, Rajkot: Just about twenty four hours to go and the entire Bengal Cricket Team is literally pumped up to lift the illusive Ranji Trophy title after thirteen long years. Wriddhiman Saha has joined the Bengal squad like the way Cheteshwar Pujara joined other finalist Saurashtra. Of late, Bengal has a good record against Saurashtra. Though Indian cricket legend VVS Laxman, who happens to be the batting consultant in Bengal's Vision 2020 plan, feels that Bengal can win the title by any uphill situation. Bengal's top-order hasn't been in the best of form. Hence, it is heard that Sudip Gharami might replace Abhishek Raman in the opening slot. Though Laxman has his tips for the team, "Forget what happened in the past. Let's have fun with the friends after some light training. You can watch movies. Go and have a chat with the video analyst to know the strength and weakness of the opposition bowlers." He added, "Captain Abhimanyu has the likes of Wriddhi, Manoj and Anustup for help on the field. But as a batsman he has to find his way to score runs. Let's keep your calm and rule the 22 yards." Saurashtra Captain Jaydev Unadkat has already been the highest wicket taker in this season with 65 wickets and with the help of Chirag Jani, Chetan Sakaria and Dharmendra Jadeja, they are a menacing force. Though Laxman feels, "The opening batsmen failed right throughout the season. Anustup, Shahbaz and Manoj saved the team in every situation. But I feel the top-order will perform in the big occasion. They too know that opportunities don't come regularly to play in the final. They have to perform. Specially Abhimanyu and Sudip Chatterjee need to play big hands." Bengal has performed in every critical situation this season. Laxman was saying, "The team fought back unbelievably in quite a few situations. Arun Lal's team doesn't have any stardom. They believe in team-game. They have great fighting spirit. Hence, despite the fact that no individual there in the list of top run scorers and wicket takers, the team has still made it to the final. The reason is the team-game and it can lead Bengal towards the title as well." Saurashtra is a top side and Laxman feels if the team can see the back of Pujara early, Bengal might have a great chance to win it. He advises, "The moment Pujara will come to bat, the bowling needs to be attacking. He is having issues to deal with the inswing deliveries. His head is falling too early while playing the deliveries which come into him. When Trent Boult took advantages of it in the test series, then why not the Bengal seamers?". The final would be the test of nerve, test of character. Can the Team Bengal show something special to make history? The answers are waiting on the cards.