Kerala has endured one of its worst starts in Ranji Trophy in recent times with just two points from three matches. Last year’s surprise runner-up desperately seeks a turnaround when it meets Saurashtra in the Elite Group-B match at the KCA Ground, Mangalapuram, near here on Saturday.
In the last two matches, the experiment to open with a nightwatcher was flawed and backfired to put pressure on a struggling batting line-up.
The demoralising defeat at the hands of Karnataka exposed the frailties of the host in both batting and bowling departments. A bowling attack entirely dependent on helpful conditions was mauled by Karun Nair (233) and R. Smaran (220 not out) who forged a match-winning 343-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Ankit Sharma’s injury and the rustiness of his replacement Vaisakh Chandran and the inexperience of debutant spinner M.U. Harikrishnan increased the workload on the medium-pacers M.D. Nidheesh and N.P. Basil. Both Nidheesh and Basil bowled well in patches but weren’t threatening enough against Karnataka which recovered from 13 for two to post an imposing 586 for five declared.
Under-23 batters Varun Nayanar and Akarsh A. Krishnamurthy have been drafted into the squad in place of the out-of-form Akshay Chandran and Shoun Roger. Medium-pacer Sibin Girish has also been called up as a cover for Eden Apple Tom who is nursing an injured finger. Eden’s stubborn batting, which must have shamed the top-order batters, was the only positive for the host from the defeat against Karnataka.
The good news for Kerala on the eve of the must-win-match is that Ankit and Rohan Kunnummal will be available for selection. But Salman Nizar’s injury hasn’t healed which rules him out.
Saurashtra, with five points, is seeking its first win this season and will fancy its chances against Kerala. The Jaydev Unadkat-led side has a clutch of match-winners with both the bat and ball, capable of seizing big moments against a side low on morale.