Northeast India’s Only English and Hindi Satellite News Channel

Ranji Trophy, ‘Backbone’ of Indian cricket returns after 2 years In Bio-Secure Bubbles

First Published: 16th February, 2022 15:57 IST

The Ranji Trophy, Indian cricket’s ‘backbone,’ will return after two years amid an improving Covid-19 situation in the country, giving a slew of domestic cricketers a chance to make a

The Ranji Trophy, Indian cricket’s ‘backbone,’ will return after two years amid an improving Covid-19 situation in the country, giving a slew of domestic cricketers a chance to make a name for themselves in red-ball cricket while also giving veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane a final shot at resurrecting their Test careers.

For the second year in a row, the third wave of Covid-19 threatened the premier domestic event, however, the drop in infections has allowed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 38-team event, a massive logistical challenge in the new normal of bio-secure environments.

With Rahane and Pujara on either side, all eyes will be on the opening match between defending champions Saurashtra and record 41-time champions Mumbai, who will be looking to make the big scores that have eluded them at the Test level for a while.

Also Read: Arunachal’s Para Shuttler Biri Takar to represent India in Spain

Both veterans have been putting in long hours in the nets, and their coaches believe a big blow is on the way.

Nine bio-bubbles were created in nine venues across the country, and the players were required to quarantine for five days, leaving them with only two days of training before the first round, which will begin on Thursday.

The players are happy that after two seasons of white-ball cricket, they will finally get to put their skills to the test in the most difficult form of the game.

Most teams will also have the shortest first-class season ever, with only three league games, which will have an impact on their match fees and leave them with little room for error.

At the elite level, eight groups of four teams have been formed, while the plate group will feature six teams.

The knockouts, except for the single pre-quarterfinal, will begin on May 30 in the post-IPL phase.

It will also be a high-pressure game because it could determine the group’s only quarterfinalist.

The national selectors will also get to see the upcoming talent in action for the first time. Skipper Yash Dhull and Raj Angad Bawa are among the stars of the India U-19 team expected to make their first-class debuts soon after signing IPL contracts.

Rajkot, Cuttack, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, Haryana, Guwahati, and Kolkata will host the games.

COMMENTS

WE RECOMMEND

Banner
Manipur footballer Elangbam Panthoi Chanu becomes 1st Indian to play in Australian Football League

Footballer Panthoi represents Metro United WFC in the South Australia Women’s National Premier League that began on Thursday.

29th March 2024
Banner
“There’s no one better in India to have behind the stumps”: Steve Smith hails MS Dhoni

The way MS Dhoni understands the game and the angles of the game is second to none, said Smith

29th March 2024
Banner
Rishabh Pant set to play his 100th IPL match for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals

The attacking left-handed batter has been loyal to the Blue franchise since his IPL debut in 2016.

28th March 2024
Banner
Bijay Chhetri becomes first Indian to join Latin American club Colon Futbol Club on loan

Colon Futbol team is a 116-year-old professional football team headquartered in Montevideo that presently competes in Uruguay's second division.

28th March 2024
Banner
“Biggest thing we have seen in Riyan is maturity…”: RR Director of Cricket Sangakkara ahead of DC clash

Riyan started his IPL 2024 campaign with a 29-ball 43 (with a four and three sixes) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in his side's campaign opener.

28th March 2024